The past decade has seen the rapid proliferation of mosquito control services in our community. These services typically consist of residual barrier treatments applied via backpack sprayers/foggers or automated misting systems installed in residential yards. Regardless of the delivery method, the pesticidal agents most commonly applied are pyrethroids, synthetic forms of botanical pyrethrin insecticides.

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Pyrethroids, as a class, are the most widely-used insecticides for controlling mosquitoes nationwide. However, they do not discriminate between mosquitoes and non-target insects. Pyrethroids are highly toxic to bees and remain so for days after application. They also kill other beneficial invertebrates, including butterflies, moths, ladybugs, dragonflies, lightning bugs, beetles and spiders. In waterways, they are highly toxic to fish and other aquatic life.