What type of insecticides are predominantly used for mosquito control in New Jersey?

The predominant insecticides used for mosquito control in New Jersey are pyrethroids. Pyrethroids are synthetic chemicals modeled after pyrethrins, which are derived from chrysanthemum flowers. They are favored for their effectiveness against a wide range of insect pests, including mosquitoes, and are used both for adulticiding (killing adult mosquitoes) and larviciding (targeting mosquito larvae).

Pyrethroids are generally regarded as less toxic to non-target species and have a rapid knockdown effect, which makes them an efficient choice in public health mosquito control programs. Additionally, they have a relatively low risk of groundwater contamination and are effective in various environmental conditions.

While organophosphates are another class of insecticides that have been used for mosquito control, their use has declined due to concerns about toxicity and environmental impact. Cyclodienes are not commonly used because they are older formulations and have a limited application in modern pest control due to regulatory restrictions. Neonicotinoids, while effective against some insect pests, are not typically used for mosquito control, as their primary application focuses on other pests like agricultural insects.

Understanding the various types of insecticides and their applications is crucial for effective pest management and compliance with regulations, reinforcing the role of py