​Spraying for Mosquitoes Harms Pollinators​

While we all want to enjoy our yards without being eaten by mosquitoes, routine, indiscriminate spraying is not the solution. Commercial companies treating for mosquitoes primarily use chemicals containing pyrethrin or pyrethroids, which are nonselective insecticides. While considered relatively safe for humans and pets they cannot be considered harmless – the companies themselves often post warnings to keep children and pets off after treatment. Cats appear to be particularly sensitive to pyrethroids. These chemicals are definitely harmful to bees, butterflies, fireflies, and other beneficial insects. The chemicals are generally designed to remain active on plant leaves for up to several weeks. As mosquitoes don’t generally rest on leaves this residual effect is much more harmful to pollinators and other insects which can pick up or ingest the toxin. Culex mosquitoes, one of our more common species, spend most of their time in the tree tops and are least likely to be killed from these sprays. Safer ways of protecting yourself from mosquitoes is eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed and using repellants containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR-3535.

For more Information check out these resources

· Protecting Yourself From Mosquitoes ... Without Harming Pollinators

· Mosquito Control Begins with a Home Walk-Around

Questions: Contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office via email mgarlalex@gmail.com. Also, check out the resources at https://mgnv.org/mosquito-and-tick-control/ and https://armn.org/mosquitos-and-ticks/