Field efficacy and non-target effects of temephos granules against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) and microorganisms in septic tanks, Republic of Korea

Abstract

A granular formulation of 1.0% temephos (temephos G) was tested for its efficacy in mosquito larval control, residual effects and effects on non-target microorganisms. Culex pipiens complex in septic tanks in Yangsan, Republic of Korea were used for this study. Microorganisms in the same septic tanks were used for study of non-target organisms. After the application of temephos G at the rates of 2.0 and 5.0 mg/L to selected septic tanks, mortalities were recorded for 50 days. The effect of temephos G on non-target organisms was studied by evaluating its effects on the bacterial populations in the treated septic tanks. It was observed that using 1.0% temephos G at a rate of 2.0 mg/L resulted in 100% mortality against Cx. pipiens larvae by the eighth day after treatment. The residual activity of temephos G was observed to continue for a time; for example 29 days after treatment, average larval mortality rates of >68.0% were observed for both concentrations. At the 50th day after treatment, the mortality rates of the Cx. pipiens larvae were observed to decrease to below 42.7% for both concentrations. Application of temephos G did not have significant effects on the bacteria populations in the septic tanks. Since temephos did not seem to have any major effects on the microorganisms, it was concluded that it is a safe and effective larvicide to use in the septic tanks at a rate of 2.0–5.0 mg/L of 1.0% temephos G.