Q Are the chemicals used in parks to control mosquitoes harmful to residents who live nearby?
A No, according to the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD).
"We use pyrethroid, and it's generally considered safe for mammals and birds," said Mike McLean with the MMCD. The insecticide can be purchased by the average homeowner at any yard and garden store. Pyrethroids, such as Permethrin and Sumithrin, are synthetic analogs of a natural insecticide found in chrysanthemums.
That said, it's very important to always use insecticides strictly according to label directions, he added. Not only will you ensure your safety and minimize the impact on non-target insects, but you also will spend less money and more effectively control the insects you want to suppress.
Pyrethroids can be toxic to fish and bees. This is why the MMCD doesn't spray near fish-bearing water or blooming crops, and neither should you. Permethrin is applied only to dense vegetation where mosquitoes rest during the day, and Resmethrin is applied as a fog during the evening when mosquitoes are active but bees are not.
In addition, MMCD uses two larvicides, Bti and methoprene, which pose no danger to people, pets or wildlife. For safety reasons, however, children and animals need to stay clear while treatment is underway.
Some people are concerned that by killing mosquitoes (larvae and adults), we deprive their natural predators of food. However, animals such as ducks and bats do not rely on a single source of food; they frequently switch diets during the year as different foods become plentiful.
Donate golf balls Q I've collected buckets of used golf balls over time. Can I donate them? Where?
