Methionine: A new biopesticide for use in mosquito management

Mosquito larvicides are an effective means of source reduction, controlling the population size so that the number of adult females that are present to bite and potentially spread pathogenic organisms is decreased. Currently utilized mosquito larvicides include insect growth regulators, organophosphates, oils and microbial agents. As resistance has developed to the organophosphate, e.g. temephos, and microbial, e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, larvicides that are commonly used alternatives are urgently needed. Our study aims to evaluate the toxicity of methionine, an essential amino acid, as a mosquito larvicide alone and in combination with existing larval control techniques. To date efficacy of methionine as a larvicide has been evaluate alone and in combination against all larval instars of Aedes albopictus, Anopheles quadrimaculatus and Culex tarsalis. Non-target organism testing with the honey bee, daphnids and the fathead minnow is currently in progress. Providing that the effect of on non-target organisms is minimal, methionine could provide a valuable addition to a mosquito integrated pest management program.