How to Kill Mosquitoes with Bti?

Not only are they an annoyance, but they also become disease carriers of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. The proper management of the mosquito population is an important intervention in the general health of the public and one of the most efficient, non-harmful techniques which is the use of Bti mosquito killer. This natural enemy works on larvae; it is environmentally friendly and reduces the impact on other fauna.

What is Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (BTI)?

BTI is a naturally occurring bacteria found in soil and has the capability of killing insects effectively. It has been used for more than 30 years to treat these small insects. BTI contains some spores that produce toxins that affect the larvae of the insect. Dissolved in water, Bti mosquito killer is toxic only to mosquito larvae and does not harm humans, animals, birds, fish or other useful insects.  

How Does BTI work?

BTI reduces the overall population of mosquitoes. It doesn’t impact adult mosquitoes but directly affects the eggs of these insects. Once the larvae hatch and consume the spores present in BTI, it causes them to stop eating and eventually die. The BTI is effective in controlling mosquitoes carrying Zika, dengue, and chikungunya too.

Application Steps:

• Measure the Area: Measure the area that is impacted and then take the medication in the quantity stated in the product’s packaging or as recommended. 
• Apply the Product: to use bacillus thuringiensis israelensis powder, spread them uniformly across the surface of the water. The Liquid can be dissolved in water quickly and applied as a spray using spray equipment or a backpack blower when a large area is to be treated. 
• Monitor and Reapply: Use it to treat areas and surfaces that are known mosquito breeding grounds then follow up by checking on the areas for the larvae. Normally, Bti products give a protection that lasts between 1 to 30 days and this protection can be boosted by re-application depending on the prevailing environmental conditions as well as the intensity of the mosquito issue. 

You can also check How to kill fungus gnats.

Advantages of Using Bti Mosquito Killer

• Target Specificity: bacillus thuringiensis israelensis products remain effective for more than a month and is toxic only to mosquito larvae, and does not affect other insects, birds, fish, or mammals. Because of this specificity, Bti is ideal for any Integrated Pest Management programs. 
• Environmental Safety: It degrades into the ecosystems naturally. It produces no chemical residues hence the areas that are treated do not pose any dangers to the wildlife or people. 
• Resistance Management: Unlike the chemical insecticides, Bti does not promote the occurrence of the resistance in the mosquito population. This makes it convenient for utilization in long term pest control particularly that of the mosquitoes. 

The integration of Bti with other forms of control Refer to the control methods listed above under the different types of larval control The choice of control methods that may accompany the Bti treatment depends with the species of mosquito that is predominant in a particular region as well as the level of resistance that the larval populations have developed against the chemical treatments.

Conclusion

The biological control of mosquitoes can be done effectively by using Bti known as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis mosquito control. Bti directly impacts mosquito larvae, reducing adult mosquito populations and subsequently lowering disease transmission risk. Constantly inspecting areas with stagnant water is crucial for effective mosquito control and prevention. Re-treating these areas or using alternative methods further helps in reducing mosquito populations. These measures contribute to making the environment more comfortable and safe from mosquito-borne diseases.

References:

1. Dambach, Peter, et al. “Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis against malaria mosquitoes in northwestern Burkina Faso.” Parasites & vectors 7 (2014): 1-8.
2. Glare, Travis R., and Maureen O’Callaghan. “Environmental and health impacts of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis.” Report for the Ministry of Health 57 (1998).