West Nile Virus Pesticides and Toxicology
In 1999, following the discovery of West Nile virus (WNV) in the United States, areas such as New York implemented public awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of WNV infection. Communities were encouraged to eliminate areas of standing water and other potential mosquito breeding sites, reduce outdoor activity between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear clothing that provides more skin coverage or consider the use of a mosquito repellent for exposed skin, and report dead birds to the appropriate authorities. Focal insecticide applications were also implemented to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes that transmit the virus. Such prevention strategies were again implemented in 2000 following WNV surveillance and the discovery of over-wintering mosquitoes. Included in WNV prevention for 2000 were targeted larvicide applications to areas of standing water to prevent immature mosquitoes from maturing into biting adults. Mosquito abatement efforts have continued as WNV has continued to spread west. The links on this page provide information on pesticides and toxicology from various resources, including NPIC, Extension Toxicology Network (EXTOXNET), EPA, and state factsheets.
Are you wondering if pesticides are being used for mosquito control in your state? Please check our state information page for more information.
For more information about pesticides, please use the resources available at the following links or contact us at 1-800-858-7378 to speak with a Pesticide Specialist.
