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Updated: April 17, 2002

What is Methoprene?

Methoprene is a compound first registered by EPA in 1975 that mimics the action of an insect growth-regulating hormone and prevents the normal maturation of insect larvae. It is applied to water to kill mosquito larvae, and it may be used along with other mosquito control measures in an IPM program. Altosid is the name of the methoprene product used in mosquito control and is applied as briquets (similar in form to charcoal briquets), pellets, sand granules, and liquids. The liquid and pelletized formulations can be applied by helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft.

Does Methoprene Pose Risks to Human Health?

Methoprene, used for mosquito control according to its label directions, does not pose unreasonable risks to human health. In addition to posing low toxicity to mammals, there is little opportunity for human exposure, since the material is applied directly to ditches, ponds, marshes, or flooded areas that are not drinking water sources.

Does Methoprene Pose Risks to Wildlife or the Environment?

Methoprene used in mosquito control programs does not pose unreasonable risks to wildlife or the environment. Toxicity of methoprene to birds and fish is low, and it is nontoxic to bees. Methoprene breaks down quickly in water and soil and will not leach into ground water. Methoprene mosquito control products present minimal acute and chronic risk to freshwater fish, freshwater invertebrates, and estuarine species.

More information:

For more information about mosquito control in your area, contact your state or local health department. Other resources for information on public health, disease control, and mosquito control include the following:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Tel: 970-221-6400
Fax: 970-221-6476
E-mail: dvbid@cdc.gov
Web site: cdc.gov

National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
Tel: 1-800-858-7378
E-mail: npic@ace.orst.edu
Web site: http://npic.orst.edu/

West Nile Virus Resource Guide: http://npic.orst.edu/wnv/
American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
Joseph M. Conlon, Technical Advisor
Tel/Fax: (904) 215-3008
E-mail: amca@earthlink.com