Plastic Bands, Pesticides, and Deadly Drift: A Study on Mosquito Spray

Bug Banter with the Xerces Society

Who doesn’t know the high-pitched whine of a nearby mosquito? We know they can be a nuisance, and in many regions, a health risk because of their ability to spread diseases. Some communities do public control campaigns, and increasingly, companies are offering home spraying of yards. But, the insecticides used in these sprays are broadly toxic to insects, and the risk they pose to pollinators isn't fully understood. In the summer of 2023, Xerces did a study looking at how these insecticides spread across the landscape.
Joining us to talk about the study is Aaron Anderson, who has been a member of Xerces’ pesticide reduction team for a couple of years. Aaron’s work focuses on reducing pesticide use in residential landscapes, including promoting alternative pest-control measures and pollinator-friendly gardening practices. Prior to joining Xerces, he researched pollinator conservation in urban landscapes, restored habitat for several endangered butterfly species, and worked in insect biocontrol. If that wasn’t cool enough, Aaron has been on Bug Banter before, also talking about mosquitoes.

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Photo: Woodland Mosquito-Katja Schulz-Flickr CC

Thank you for listening! For more information go to xerces.org/bugbanter.