Aquabac 200g Bti - 8 lb./acre

Granular

Aquabac 200g, 8 lbs. per acre

The Collier Mosquito Control District (CMCD) carries on extensive spraying of Aquabac in Collier County residential areas.

Shady Hallow and Circle Swamp areas of Golden Gate Estates	8/13/2025
Golden Gate Estates	8/15/2025
East Golden Gate Estates	8/19/2025 8/20/2025 8/21/2025 8/22/2025
Immokalee	8/27/2025
Ave Maria	8/28/2025

Aquabac 200G is a microbial insecticide that is generally safe for humans and animals when used as directed, with its active ingredient, Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti), only affecting mosquitoes, black flies, and midges. The primary health risks come from improper handling, such as inhaling dust or prolonged, repeated exposure. 

Risks from improper handling

• Allergic sensitization: Repeated or prolonged exposure to high concentrations of the microbial proteins in the product can cause allergic reactions. This is a risk primarily for mixers, loaders, and applicators who handle the product frequently.

• Irritation: Direct contact with skin or eyes may cause mild irritation.

• Harmful if inhaled: Breathing in the dust from the granules is harmful. Applicators should wear a dust/mist filtering respirator to minimize this risk. 

Safety precautions

The product's labels and safety data sheets (SDS) provide clear instructions to mitigate these risks. 

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Applicators should wear a NIOSH-approved respirator (at least N-95, R-95, or P-95), impervious gloves, and protective clothing to avoid skin and dust exposure.

• Avoid dust inhalation: Do not breathe in the dust during application or handling.

• Prevent direct contact: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling, especially before eating, drinking, or using the restroom.

• Wash clothing: Remove and wash any contaminated clothing before reusing it. 

Minimal risk to non-target organisms

When used according to label instructions, Aquabac 200G poses minimal to no risk to most non-target organisms, including:

• Aquatic life, such as fish and plants

• Humans and pets

• Beneficial insects and wildlife 

This selectivity is due to the Bti toxin's activation mechanism. The toxins only become biologically active in the high-pH gut of the specific target insects. 

Important restrictions

However:

“While the gut of the dragonfly nymph may not produce the deadly conditions that the gut of the mosquito larvae does in the presence of Bti, that same toxin is being ingested by the dragonfly nymph when it feeds on the larvicide-exposed mosquito larvae as a food source. A further study is indicated before I can completely abandon that there is no relationship between the decline of the dragonfly presence at Madrona Marsh and the recent dosing of Bti.”

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• Do not apply to drinking water sources: The product label specifically prohibits application to "treated, finished drinking water reservoirs or drinking water receptacles when the water is intended for human consumption".

• Keep children and animals away during application: It is a good practice to keep children and pets away from the immediate area during application. 

  
  

Aquabac 200g label:

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Bti CRG does not directly poison dragonflies. However, by eliminating the larvae of mosquitoes and other Diptera that serve as a primary food source, widespread or repeated Bti application can indirectly threaten dragonfly populations by causing a severe reduction in their prey. 

Reference

https://www.miamidade.gov/global/solidwaste/mosquito/insecticides.page#:~:text=VECTOPRIME%20FG%2C%20(S)%2DMethoprene%20and%20Bacillus%20thuringiensis%20subsp.%20israelensis%2C%206&text=Rotating%20insecticides%20reduces%20the%20likelihood%20of%20insecticide%20resistance.