Hi Chris,

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about this problem. Your neighbor has a vegetable garden and they are concerned about this mosquito treatment especially since it was a spray application. I’m trying to determine why you have so many mosquitoes. If you have a water source nearby that could be attracting the mosquitoes.

Spray applications are tricky. Even on a calm day there is residual drift. This product is also available in a granular form that you sprinkle on the ground which would be a much safer application.

There are many ways to protect from mosquitoes. Use insect repellants first.

Using a company that simply sprays your landscape is temporary and deadly to beneficial insects and the entire ecosystem in your landscape that would normally work to keep down pest insects.

Mosquito spraying of landscapes kills bees and other pollinators and does not keep new mosquitoes from flying in.

Keep in mind that these insecticides are short lived and most of the risk occurs during the application and for an hour or so afterwards.

Rinse fruits and vegetables from the garden thoroughly with water before cooking or eating.

I attached the label from Maxxthor SC . On page 6 about half way down under the heading “ATTENTION”, is a list of what not to spray.

Do not apply to pets, crops, sources of electricity or firewood.

Here is a link to mosquito management with some alternative options for mosquito control. https://extension.colostate.edu/mosquito-management/

Please contact Ask Extension if you have questions or concerns. Thank you.

N.O.

Hi Chris - We are working on finding an answer for you.  Stay tuned!

Colorado Master Gardener Annette

Chris - 

The label information of Maxxthor SC says two seemingly conflicting assertions: that it should not be applied to crops, but also that once dry it is safe. There are three points that you could make to your neighbor.  1) The product was not applied directly to the vegetable plants, 2) drift would have been very slight given that the company uses safe application practices, and 3) the food plants are likely a month or two from harvest. It is possible the plants were not yet in bloom either.

I live near a canal and we do get near-dusk mosquitos especially when it has been rainy or we've watered the lawn. Once or twice over the years we've applied an insecticide just to the grassy areas near our patio when we were having a party.  Now that I've learned more about the effect on pollinators we no longer do that, and instead use personal bug spray/candle/etc. when we have to be outside.

I hope this helps, and that you can reassure your neighbors.  You are to be applauded for your willingness to listen and modify your practices.

Good luck.

Colorado Master Gardener Annette