New York City Department of Health

Q: What is VECTOLEX?
A: Vectolex is a larvicide that can kill mosquitoes during the larvae stage of its development. Its active ingredient contains a naturally occurring bacteria (Bacillus sphaericus) that is common in soils in the United States and throughout the world.

Q: How does VECTOLEX work?
A: Vectolex comes in a granule form that contains the bacteria Bacillus sphaericus. This bacteria damages the gut of mosquito larvae when they eat it, causing the larvae to starve to death. These granules can be placed directly in the standing water areas where mosquitoes breed, or can be mixed with water and other substances, and sprayed from the air or ground.

Q: Where is VECTOLEX used?
A: Vectolex is placed in 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, large puddles, pool covers, and discarded automobile tires.

Q: Is VECTOLEX harmful to human beings?
A: No. VECTOLEX is not harmful to humans. Direct contact can cause mild eye and skin irritation, but no known serious effects.

Q: How safe is VECTOLEX for the environment?
A: When used around water, the bacteria are rapidly destroyed, and their toxins do not appear to be harmful to fish and most other marine life.

Q: Is it safe for children and pets to play in areas where VECTOLEX has been placed?
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 VECTOLEX has been placed.

Q: Am I likely to be exposed to VECTOLEX?
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: Can I use VECTOLEX around my home?
A: A: No. VECTOLEX can only be applied by licensed applicators.

Q: What should I do if I am exposed to VECTOLEX?
A: If you experience eye or skin irritation as a result of exposure to a VECTOLEX, 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 VECTOLEX 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