New York City Department of Health

Q: What is ALTOSID?
A: ALTOSID is a trade name for the general use pesticide Methoprene. Methoprene is a larvicide used to control mosquitoes and has also been used for many years as a pesticide in the production of foods like meat, milk, eggs, mushrooms, peanuts, rice and cereals.

Q: How does ALTOSID work?
A: ALTOSID interferes with the normal life cycle of an insect. It is known as a larvicide because it mimics an insect growth hormone, and prevents the development of adult mosquitoes from larvae. It is effective against several types of mosquitoes, including the Culex species that carried the West Nile Virus last summer.

Q: Where is ALTOSID used?
A: ALTOSID is applied to wet areas where mosquitoes live and lay eggs, such as storm water and drainage systems (catch basins), and areas where standing water can collect, such as small ponds and puddles, pool covers, and discarded automobile tires. Briquettes (small blocks of pesticide) of ALTOSID will be placed in these areas, where they will slowly release the larvicide for either 30 or 120-150 days, depending on the type of preparation. They will also provide protection through the early insect breeding season. Liquid ALTOSID will also be used.

Q: Why is this specific pesticide being used?
A: ALTOSID is being used because it is safe for humans and pets, and has been used for many years. It is effective if used early before adult mosquitoes develop. This will help reduce the need to use other pesticides against adult mosquitoes later in the summer. It is one of the most important steps in preventing the re-emergence of West Nile virus.

Q: Is ALTOSID harmful to human beings?
A: No. Research has shown that ALTOSID is not harmful to humans. Direct contact can cause mild eye and skin irritation, but no known serious effects. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed methoprene into the category of "least toxic" with regard to humans. It has, however, been reported to be slightly toxic to freshwater fish and birds.

Q: How safe is ALTOSID for the environment?
A: Once it is released from the briquette, ALTOSID is rapidly biodegradable and breaks down quickly in water and sunlight. It does not remain in the ground.

Q: Is it safe for children and pets to play in areas that have been treated with ALTOSID?
A: Mild skin and eye irritation can occur with direct contact, and it is best to keep children and pets away from areas that have been treated. However, since it will mostly be placed in storm drains and catch basins, children and pets will not have access to areas where ALTOSID has been placed.

Q: Can I use ALTOSID around my home?
A: ALTOSID can only be applied by licensed applicators.

Q: Am I likely to be exposed to ALTOSID?
A: No. The larvicides are being applied in storm drains, catch basins and other areas to which the general public does not have access. These areas drain into river water and sewage treatment plants.

Q: What should I do if I am exposed to ALTOSID?
A: If you experience eye or skin irritation as a result of exposure to a ALTOSID, rinse the eyes with tap water for 20 minutes and wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water. If the symptoms persist, first contact your local doctor or emergency department, then contact the New York City Poison Control Center.

For more information on ALTOSID or other pesticides, you can call the New York City Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS or (212) 764-7667. For more information about West Nile virus, call the New York City Department of Health West Nile Information Line, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (877) WNV-4NYC or (877) 968-4692.

April 2000

Every effort has been made to provide correct, complete and up-to-date pest management information for New York State in this publication. Changes in pesticide regulations thus occur constantly, and human errors are still possible. These recommendations are not a substitute for pesticide labeling. None of the above has been verified by the employees of Ocean-Beach.com

 Revised: 11/09/2002