The Truth About Mosquito Sprays: Investigating their Impact on Pollinators

Summary: Insecticide sprays intended to kill adult mosquitos are broadly toxic to insects, and the risks they pose to pollinators is unknown. Hear from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation on the results of their 2023 study that quantified the risks of mosquito sprays to pollinators, and come away with practical, non-chemical mosquito management strategies for use at home.

When: Apr 17, 2025

Time:17:00 - 18:00

Description

Insecticides sprayed to kill adult mosquitoes are often used in home yards, as mosquitoes can be a nuisance and health risk. But, the insecticides used in these sprays are broadly toxic to insects, and the risks they pose to pollinators isn't well known. In the summer of 2023, Xerces performed a study comparing insecticide residues and quantifying risk to pollinators in yards sprayed by private mosquito spray services, in yards near a neighbor who sprayed, and yards sprayed by vector control districts. Join Aaron Anderson, Xerces Society Pesticide Program Specialist and Towns and Cities Lead, to hear the results of the study and discover practical, non-chemical mosquito management strategies for use at home.