If you own a Thermacell I highly recommend capping the cartridge after every use so that the pyrethroid (metofluthrin) doesn't evaporate. If you've already discarded the cap just use plastic wrap. Replacement cartridges are over $20 each. Also, if you're the forgetful type set a phone timer so that you're reminded to turn the contraption off after dinner. #thermacell #mosquitoes #pyrethroids #repellents

But nice lawns and golf courses and unblemished flower gardens are so important. We can't possibly give up routine use of #pesticides.

Yet it's clear that even "benign" pesticides, like #pyrethroids, have adverse impacts. Even if they are harmless to people and pets, they have serious adverse consequences. So much of nature's food chain relies on insects - as pollinators, as food for birds and fish, as natural pest control (lady bugs in the garden as an example)

And the joy of seeing butterflies brings smiles to many peoples faces (certainly mine).

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/01/monarch-butterflies-mass-die-off-pesticides?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

#insectageddon #ecosysytems #foodchain

Monarch butterflies’ mass die-off in 2024 caused by pesticide exposure – study

New peer-reviewed research found an average of seven pesticides in each of 10 butterflies tested

The Guardian
Resharing this webpage because I changed the cover pic. That's my fence! #mosquitoes #pesticides #pyrethroids https://colinpurrington.com/2018/09/buzz-on-mosquito-sprays/
Effects of mosquito sprays on humans, pets, and wildlife » Colin Purrington's blog

Mosquito Authority, Mosquito Joe, Mosquito Platoon, Mosquito Shield, Mosquito Squad, TruGreen are often very reluctant to reveal what insecticides they use and sometimes imply that the chemicals are safe for everything except mosquitoes. This page contains information on what, exactly, they spray and what effects those chemicals have. After a little digging, I think I’ve […]

Colin Purrington's blog
Wishing a long and miserable purgatory for owners of companies that install pesticide misting systems in the United States. And ideally large fines in their current lives for falsely advertising that insecticides dispensed at dusk and dawn (or at night) don't kill non-target insects such as butterflies and bees. I think only Connecticut and Illinois have banned misters outright, but New York seems to have verbiage that effectively does the same. #pollinators #butterflies #bees #pesticides #ftc #insects #pyrethroids #mosquitoes
Stumbled onto a comment on reddit that serves as a good reminder that pyrethroid mosquito sprays (Mosquito Shield, Mosquito Joe, Mosquito Squad, etc.) are highly toxic to fish. Labels always say "never spray near water" but applicators often ignore. #fish #mosquitoes #pyrethroids #virginia #pesticides #insecticides #ponds #koi
I've always had my suspicions but Michael Moorhouse, the president of Mosquito Shield, confirms: mother-owned franchises do extra well because women can infiltrate "mom groups" on Facebook and then push members to get their yards sprayed. #mosquitoes #pesticides #pyrethroids #insects https://www.youtube.com/shorts/cJLUlPdt2qY?t=24&feature=share
Why Mosquito Shield Resonates With Moms

YouTube
In going through the meeting notes for the Maine Bureau of Pesticides Control, it's clear that state has had it with Mosquito Shield and similar outfits that regularly flaunt pesticide application laws. E.g., technicians spray when it's raining or windy, treat flowering plants, treat bodies of water, or fail to wear protective gear. Bureau accepts and acts on tips from homeowners (see link). NB: photo proof helps agency's legal team issue fines. And don't forget to collect plant samples from your yard for residue tests if you think pesticide fog has drifted onto your property. #maine #mosquitoes #pesticides #pyrethroids https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/pesticides/public/complaints.shtml
How to Make a Complaint: Public Information: Board of Pesticides: Plant Health and Pesticides: Maine DACF

Delivered a Zoom talk on mosquito control to 90+ people on Georgetown Island, Maine, last night. The area is being invaded by Mosquito Shield and other pyrethroid-spraying franchises and residents are worried about the consequences for insects, birds, ... and lobsters. Was fun to research. #maine #mosquitoes #pyrethroids
Anyone have good stories about mosquito-spraying companies like Mosquito Shield? I'm giving a talk tomorrow on the topic and would enjoy hearing your thoughts and experiences. #mosquitoes #pyrethroids #garlic #pesticide
It starts. One of my neighbors is having his yard dosed with pyrethroids as I type. Guy from hired company (Mosquito Shield) is walking around with a gas-powered sprayer, killing everything on the ground and in the trees. And, indirectly, reducing what local birds have to eat. Why is this legal #mosquitoes #pesticides #pyrethroids #insects #birds