Tiny Mosquito
Common Mosquito Insecticides
Although mosquito insecticides are a quick and easy way to kill flying insects, users should be aware of their limitations and disadvantages. They tend to have a short-lived effectiveness and, depending on the type, some can harm the environment, animals and other useful insects. It is also important to be aware that mosquitos are starting to develop immunity against insecticides.
The two most common mosquito insecticides, deltamethrin and permethrin, are both pyrethoids, a synthetic replica of the natural insect repellent pyrethin found in the chrysanthemum plant. Deltamethrin is often used with other substances to form an effective barrier against mosquito bites, while permethrin is emitted as a mist or fog that kills mosquitoes instantly.
Uses
of Deltamethrin
Because deltamethrin is a synthetic product that has been classified as
safe for mammals, it is widely used as a mosquito insecticide across North
America and other continents. For both residential and commercial applications,
it is a powerful way to eliminate mosquitoes while presenting little danger
to the surrounding environment. However, deltamethrin can pose a risk
to fish and plant life in aquatic regions, be it a stream, river, lake,
or ocean. This product is not a good choice for applications near water.
Deltamethrin is commonly used to treat mosquito nets. When nets are imbibed with this synthetic pyrethoid, they provide an effective barrier against biting insects, and are safe for everyone, from small children to adults. Experts say that using a net treated with deltamethrin reduces the chances of death caused by mosquito-borne diseases by 25 percent.
Nets that are treated with deltamethrin must be washed following the instructions on the label. One should remember that this product can be harmful to aquatic life. It is recommended that nets be retreated once a year, a process that requires the wearing of gloves. In some cases, mild symptoms such as a runny nose can be experienced for the first few nights of sleeping under a treated net. Nevertheless, this mild malaise should not deter anyone from their use, especially in areas where malaria is prevalent.
Uses of Permethrin
This pyrethoid is most often used as a spray or mist to cover large areas
of land or floor space. Diluted with water or mixed with oil, permethrin
is sprayed across fields, campgrounds and other areas where mosquitoes
are a problem. Similar to deltamethrin, permethrin is toxic to fish. It
could also be potentially harmful to bees and other beneficial insects
under high levels of exposure.
General Properties
Mosquito insecticides typically break down quickly. Insecticide fogs and
sprays dissipate immediately during a rain spell, and do not last more
than a few hours in dry weather. As soon as the pyrethoid is gone, the
mosquitoes are back. Fairly frequent application is necessary unless you
install an automatic insect repellent dispensing machine – they
are efficient, convenient, and easy to set up.
When proper safety measures are taken, both deltamethrin and permethrin
repel mosquitoes safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of malaria
and other mosquito-borne diseases. Weigh the potential risks to the environment
against the benefits to your health before using mosquito insecticides.
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