Council uses a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils called BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis) to treat mosquito larvae in the region. BTI contains bacteria that produces toxins that specifically target and only affect the larvae of mosquito, blackfly and fungus gnat.
BTI is an approved treatment for pest control use in organic farming operations and our marine parks. There are no precautions needed when applying the treatment. BTI has no toxicity to:
- humans
- honey bees
- animals
- food crops
- water supplies.
The treatment is sprayed over the intertidal areas of the region that are inundated during rainfall and tidal events providing ideal conditions for the mosquito larvae to develop.
View the BTI safety data sheet