Printer-Friendly Version

The pest management industry advocates an integrated approach to pest management - using the right tool, at the right time, in the right way, in the right place. More specifically, that means integrated pest management (IPM), a continuous pest-management system. Pests are identified, various actions (including prevention) are considered and the proper action taken: and this is only if the pest problem could not be prevented in the first place. The following are measures you can take.

For more information, refer to Health Canada's website, "Effective Control of Mosquitoes Around Your Home,"

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/pnotes/mosquitos-e.pdf


Personal repellents:

Only personal insect repellents that are registered in Canada - that is, those bearing a Pest Control Product (PCP) number -- should be used. If the repellent does not have a PCP number, it is not registered by Health Canada and could be unsafe and ineffective. Always look for the number. It is your insurance that it meets Health Canada efficacy and health standards.

There are five active ingredients currently registered as insect repellents in Canada: DEET, p-menthane 3,8-diol, soybean oil, citronella and lavender.

Insect repellents vary in their length of protection time. The duration of insect repellency varies from 30 minutes (lavender product) to 6 hours (30 per cent DEET). As with all products registered by Health Canada, these insect repellents can be safely used as directed by the label.

For comprehensive information about registered insect repellents, please visit Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) web site at
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla.

For more information, visit Health's Canada "Safety Tips on Using Personal Insect Repellents," April 2003,
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/pnotes/deet-e.pdf

While personal insect repellents that contain DEET are effective when applied to an individual’s exposed skin, they offer no protection from mosquitoes when sprayed into the air or when mixed into the water of a pond or marsh. Carefully read and follow product label directions when using personal insect repellents and any other pest control product.


Mosquito control treatments

Mosquito control products are available for use by either commercial applicators or the public. Professionals and the public can use these products safely and effectively.

There are two categories of mosquito control treatments, named for the stage of life of the mosquito that they control: larvicides and adulticides.

Mosquito larvicides are used to control mosquito larva, an immature stage of the insect. Larviciding involves placing pellets, granules or liquid solutions in mosquito breeding sites, such as storm-sewer catch basins, ponds and other water containing areas.

Adulticides are products that control mosquitoes at their adult stage. Adulticides are applied as a spray or fog in areas where adult mosquitoes are present. Both types of control options should be used in conjunction with repellents and other control practices in an integrated pest management program.

Prior to registering these products, Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) evaluates extensive human health and environmental data as part of their assessment regarding the benefits and safety of these products.


Products for mosquito larvae control

Larvicides are used to control mosquito larva, an immature stage of the insect. Larviciding involves placing pellets or granules containing anti-larvae pest control products in mosquito breeding sites, such as storm-sewer catch basins, ponds and other water containing areas. For more information, visit Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency mosquito control fact sheets at
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/mosquito/mosquito-e.html.

* * *

Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis, commonly referred to as Bti, is a bacterium found naturally in soils. Since 1982, it has been used successfully worldwide as a biological pest control agent to control mosquitoes.

Fact sheet on the Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti) at:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/fact/fs_bti-e.pdf

* * *

Methoprene is an insect growth regulator that was first registered for use in Canada in 1977.

Fact sheet on the use of methoprene in mosquito control programs at:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/fact/fs_methoprene-e.pdf

* * *

Chlorpyrifos - See Below


Products for adult-stage mosquito control:

Adulticides are products that control mosquitoes at their adult stage. Adulticides are applied as a spray or fog in areas where adult mosquitoes are present. Aerosol sprays, mosquito coils and mosquito sticks are also available to control flying mosquitoes. All control options must be used in conjunction with repellents and other control practices in an integrated pest management program. For more information, visit Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency mosquito control factsheets at
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/mosquito/mosquito-e.html.

* * *

Malathion is a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide that has been registered for use in Canada since 1953. Malathion is registered for the control of adult mosquitoes.

Fact sheet on the Use of malathion in mosquito control programs at:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/fact/fs_malathion-e.pdf

* * *

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate that has been registered for use in Canada since 1970. Chlorpyrifos is registered for use in public health programs to control mosquitoes and the larval and adult stages. Products that contain chlorpyrifos are approved for agricultural uses and in certain commercial sites.

Fact sheet on the Use of chlorpyrifos in mosquito control programs at:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pmra-arla/english/pdf/fact/fs_chlorpyrifos-e.pdf