MIST SYSTEMS WARNING

MOSQUITO MISTING SYSTEMS

"The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) has written to EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs expressing AMCA's concern with the sale of outdoor time-released insecticide misting systems to homeowners and businesses.

AMCA's concern is held by many state regulatory agencies. These concerns consist of the introduction of timed pesticide releases into the environment regardless of pest pressure, possible resistance development, exposure to residential customers and the fact that this system does not address the main source of the mosquito problem. The overall system is one-dimensional approach to mosquito control."

BURNT/ No Spray Nashville's Advice and Education Regarding Mist Systems

Companies that are trying to sell mist systems are trying to make money off of the West Nile virus scare. We have many concerns regarding these systems as do many other people, companies and organizations.

First of all, people who sell pesticides often try to suggest that permithrin is "organic." It is not, it is a synthetic pesticide. However, if it were the organic version, we would not recommend it either.

Why? Because less toxic and equally effective methods to control mosquitoes are available. If your backyard is full of mosquitoes, you have a breeding ground close by. Does it make sense to use poison over and over or eliminate the source and use personal protection?

THE MIST SYSTEMS USE POISON OVER AND OVER

This poison kills beneficial insects like: bees, butterflies, firefies, moths, etc. It contributes to creating "super mosquitoes" that develop a resistance to the pesticide so, in the long run, it will make mosquito problems worse. You also risk fish and other aquatic life and create potential health hazards for anyone (including pets) in your backyard or near (neighbors). There is an increasing number of people who are chemically sensitive. If you happen to live next to one and install this system, you could make someone extremely ill. People who purchase these systems and the companies that sell them should be prepared for lawsuits.

HEALTHIER CHOICES:

1. ELIMINATING THE SOURCE: Start eliminating the breeding source by reducing standing water and using larvicide (brand name Mosquito Dunks found in home improvement stores-last 30 days per dunk) if you can't get rid of the water. Help your neighbors do this and work together to keep watch around the area for breeding sources, stagnant water (moving water in rivers or airated ponds are not a problem).

2. PERSONAL PROTECTION: Use a repellant and/or wear long sleeves and pants to avoid being bit. There is a non-toxic repellant called Bite Blocker that a Health Department official told us about that tested well against DEET. If you are particularly concerned about West Nile virus, avoid going out at dusk and dawn while the mosquito that carries that disease is usually out.

Regardless of whether one selects to use mist or healthier choices to avoid mosquitoes, we will never eliminate all mosquitoes. There has to be some level of acceptance that mosquitoes are here to stay. (People who use mist systems will actually make mosquito problems worse in the long run by contributing to creating resisant mosquitoes.)