Where to Buy Bti For Mosquitoes
WouterSeveral products are available for use as mosquito control. One of the most common is called Bti, which stands for Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis. It is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that has been used for decades to control mosquitoes.
Bti can be applied to standing water, like ponds, rivers and lakes, to kill developing mosquito larvae. The product is available in granules, capsules and liquid formulations. It is also available as a sustained release product.
When ingested by mosquito larvae, the crystal toxins in Bti disrupt the pest’s digestive system and kill them within four to twenty-four hours. However, it does not kill pupae. In addition to killing mosquito larvae, Bti has minimal toxicity to honey bees. It is also considered safe for use by other animals, including fish, birds, and insects.
It is also approved for use on organic farming operations. However, it should be used according to label instructions. A licensed pesticide applicator must have a permit from the Department of Ecology to apply Bti products.
Although Bti has been used for decades, it has not been found to be toxic to humans. There have been cases of direct human exposure to Bti in certain Bacillus thuringiensis products, but these cases are rare.
Several studies have been conducted to test the safety of Bti. The EPA found it to be safe for use on most wildlife, but not humans. However, there have been cases of resistance to Bti in laboratory settings. Scientists are working on ways to prevent resistance.
