There's nothing quite like mosquito bites to take the fun out of a summer evening. Spraying and swatting just seem to make the mosquitoes more persistent.

Many communities in a number of countries (Germany, Switzerland , North America, France, Tunisia) have been very successful with a control program that's more environmentally friendly and more effective than conventional spraying. Instead of waging the mosquito war in the air, they are attacking the insect's breeding grounds.

VectoBac
VectoBac is a biological larvicides used to control mosquitoes, black flies and other fly pests. The active ingredient in VectoBac is naturally occurring soil bacteria known as Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 (B.t. H-14).

It has a highly specific mode of action and effectively controls mosquito and black fly larvae, midge and fungus gnat. VectoBac kills mosquitoes and/or black flies in the larval stage of their life cycle. Either scattered across or sprayed upon the surface of aquatic breeding area, the larvicide becomes a part of the food eaten by the larvae in the water.

The larvae ingest the insecticide, consisting of B.t. H-14 spores and crystalline toxins produced by the bacteria. Activated by the larva's specific gut pH, by crystals disintegrate the digestive tract of the insect. It stops feeding and dies before it can pupate and reach adulthood. B.t. H-14 has demonstrated virtually no adverse effects to mammals, fish or other wildlife at recommended field rates.

VectoBac is fast acting and will not provide extended control. VectoBac is applied to mosquito breeding areas by helicopter and airplanes, or can be distributed by handoperated equipment.

The above products are available in two formulations:

VectoBac G: granules formulation able to penetrate the thick vegetation that covers some mosquito breeding areas

VectoBac WG: Technical powder can be mixed easily in water and sprayed on breeding areas

The VectoBac Advantage
The beauty of these products is their specific action. B.t. H-14 attacks the larvae of mosquitoes leaving beneficial insects and other organisms virtually unaffected. In addition, tests have shown B.t. H-14 to have little effect on plants, fish, or other organisms that live in the water.

Because of their specificity, these products are well suited for use in cities, suburbs, recreational sites and all environmentally sensitive locations. They kill mosquitoes, while preserving mosquito-eating wildlife such as fish and predatory aquatic insects that may be harmed by other insecticides.

In addition, these products appear to solve the problem of inherited resistance. Mosquitoes with natural resistance or immunity to an insecticide pass it on to their offspring. After several generations, it becomes necessary to use a different insecticide or to increase the concentration of the toxic ingredient. So far no mosquitoes have shown a natural resistance or immunity to B.t. H-14 products.