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A Review of Common Mosquito Larvicides and Associated Impacts on Wetland Ecosystems

Mosquito control programs will reduce populations of disease – carrying mosquitoes. However, poorly designed and implemented programs can degrade wetlands and other aquatic habitats. Responsible and effective mosquito control efforts need to be a part of programs that include:

  1. Identification of mosquito breeding habitats.
  2. Removal of container breeding habitats like unattended gutters, bird baths, and other water collecting sites in urban areas that are favoured by mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus.
  3. Regular monitoring of potential breeding habitats to ensure proper timing of larvicide applications.
  4. Confirmation that mosquito species present in a wetland are known carriers of West Nile virus prior to applying larval mosquito control.

Ducks Unlimited Canada has reviewed information available on common mosquito larvicides. Ducks Unlimited Canada encourages you to familiarize yourself with the environmental implications of all pesticide applications prior to use. Make environmentally responsible decisions when using any pesticide products in natural habitats including wetlands.

Larvicide Review
Insecticide How it works Toxcicity levels Review of existing information
Human health Animals
Bti (Bacillus
thuringiensis
israelensis)
Trade names:
VectoBac,
Aquabac,
Teknar

A naturally occurring soil bacterium that
produces a protein crystal during the spore-forming stage of its life cycle.

Mosquito larvae eat the bacteria. The crystals interact with the alkaline environment of their gut to produce toxic protein molecules that destroy the walls of the gut. The larvae stop feeding and die soon after

 Little threat to human health No direct toxicological effect on birds, fish, amphibians and most aquatic invertebrates Can be applied to permanent water bodies including wetlands with negligible effect on non-mosquito species
Methoprene An insect growth regulator that prevents larval mosquitoes from developing into adults Considered to have low toxicity to humans Not harmful to mammals or birds when used according to product label instructions; slightly to moderately toxic to warm and cold water fish; highly toxic to freshwater, estuarine and marine invertebrates. Not recommended for use in wetlands because it is toxic to some wetland species • Use in storm drains, catch basins and other artificial aquatic habitats should be monitored to ensure rivers and streams are not contaminated after heavy rains
Diflubenzuron Prevents production of the substance that creates invertebrates’ hard shells, leaving them unprotected Considered to have low toxicity to humans Considered to be relatively nontoxic to small mammals, birds, and fish; highly toxic to freshwater, estuarine and marine invertebrates • Not recommended for use in wetlands because it is highly toxic to some wetland species
Chlorpyrifos Disrupts normal nervous system functions, kills insects through direct contact or ingestion Depending on the formulation, can be slightly to highly toxic to humans Reported to be moderately toxic to mammals; highly toxic to birds, fish and aquatic invertebrates • Not recommended for use in wetlands because it is highly toxic to wetland species
 

 

Information has been compiled from Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The products listed are only allowed for larval mosquito and black fly control in aquatic habitats. In Canada, PMRA restricts the sale of most products registered for larval mosquito control to applicators who are trained to use them. Most provinces require applicators to be certified in the use of restricted class products. Provinces may also regulate the sale, use, storage, transportation and disposal of these products and require appropriate permits and public notification before larvicides can be applied to aquatic habitats.

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