Answers about Monomolecular Films as a mosquito control device

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Updated: April 17, 2002

What are Monomolecular Films?

Monomolecular films are low-toxicity pesticides that spread a thin film on the surface of the water that makes it difficult for mosquito larvae, pupae, and emerging adults to attach to the water's surface, causing them to drown. Films may remain active typically for 10-14 days on standing water, and have been used in the United States in floodwaters, brackish waters, and ponds. They may be used along with other mosquito control measures in an IPM program. They are also known under the trade names Arosurf MSF and Agnique MMF.

Do Monomolecular Films Pose Risks to Human Health?

Monomolecular films, used according to label directions for larva and pupa control, do not pose a risk to human health. In addition to low toxicity, 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.

Do Films Pose Risks to Wildlife or the Environment?
Monomolecular films, used according to label directions for larva and pupa control, pose minimal risks to the environment. They do not last very long in the environment, and are usually applied only to standing water, such as roadside ditches, woodland pools, or containers which contain few nontarget organisms.

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