Concerns about chemicals in mosquito spray.
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A July 3 press release noted, “The Sublette County Mosquito Abatement District uses Fyfanon ULV Insecticide for their mosquito control.”
Fyfanon ULV is Malathion. It is not safe, and should only be used as a last resort in an Integrated Mosquito Management program.
Malathion’s label and Safety Data Sheet state that it is: “Harmful by swallowing, inhalation or skin contact. Avoid contact with skin. Avoid breathing spray mist. This pesticide is toxic to aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates. This product is highly toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment on blooming crops or weeds. Do not apply or allow to drift onto blooming crops or weeds while bees are actively visiting the treatment area. When applying as a wide area mosquito adulticide, do not apply over bodies of water.
“Malathion is very toxic to fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic life stages of amphibians and insects. Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Malathion and isomalathion can affect you when breathed in and can cause organophosphorous poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning may include headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, tightness in chest, drooling, frothing of mouth and nose, convulsions, coma and death.
“Malathion is toxic to birds, fish, aquatic invertebrates, aquatic life stages of amphibians and highly toxic to bees. The product should not be allowed to enter drains or water courses, or be deposited where it can affect ground or surface waters.”
There is a safer, more effective alternative. Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) provides the greatest control, with the use of mosquito-specific products that do not harm pollinators, birds, fish, or people. IMM targets mosquitoes when they are concentrated, immobile and accessible in their aquatic stages of life. Coupled with education, source reduction, surveillance and monitoring, IMM is a cost effective, successful mosquito control program. Pinedale Pollinator Positive! urges every concerned citizen to contact the Sublette County Mosquito Abatement District boards to switch to Integrated Mosquito Management in the coming year.
MAD#1 board members:
Bob Jones - jonesbuilderbob@gmail.com;
Josh Adams - jadams.aci@gmail.com;
Mike Henn - steerheadranch@hotmail.com.
Linda Baker
Pinedale
