Municipal mosquito spraying

[gram289]

My city is spraying for mosquitos. Does this hurt the butterfly population? If so, can I clean the spray off my plants with a garden hose?

[Mona Miller]

It depends on what they are spraying. If it is pyrethrins, those don't wash off right away and can stay around for months.

http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/ex ... s-ext.html
Pyrethrins info

Find out what they are spaying and ask them how long it will last.

[Paul Cherubini]

Depends on alot of variables like whether they are spraying from the ground or the air and what chemical they are using. Ground spraying tends to be more harmful. Malathion insecticide is the least harmful. After the spraying look to see if there are still alot of moths flying around porch lights and street lights in the evening. If there are still alot of moths and other flying bugs around, chances are the butterfly population was not seriously harmed.

[gram289]

Unfortunately, the only thing my street department will tell me is the spray has been federally approved. It is being applied by air from a blowing machine attached to the bed of a pick up truck. It rained really hard for several hours after they applied the spray. I'll look for the moths. Thanks for the replies.

[Mona Miller]

This may not be healthy for you. Tell them you need to know exactly what they are spraying. You should have the option of not having your property sprayed.

[gram289]

I'm sure it's not healthy. But I don't have the option to not have it sprayed on my lawn. I live in a very swampy area. We have had local West Nile deaths in the past. It's a shame they can't figure out a better way.

[Mona Miller]

What state are you in?

[Paul Cherubini]

Most municipal mosquito insecticides are also EPA registered for use inside a huge variety of buildings where people live and work and where animals are held and where food products are processed and stored. Here, for example, is a list of sites where 1% pyrethrin insecticide may be used:
http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/ae78/18R-C/BP100.jpg

[Mona Miller]

Most companies that spray don't keep people informed about the side effects. The EPA does not do their own studies. Those are done by the chemical companies. Lately in the news, I've been hearing about drug companies hiding information, auto companies hiding information, oil companies hiding information, the chemical companies hide information, too. Butterflies are very sensitive to their environment.

I'd like to recommend that you talk with the city about what you are seeing.

http://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations/download.html
There are downloads on the Monarch Waystation website.
http://www.monarchwatch.org/waystations ... ochure.pdf
The promotional brochure is a good one. Read page 2, "Why We Are Concerned". This can be printed and handed out.