Pesticides: Malathion

Common Brand Names:

Chemical Action and Usages: Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide for outdoor use only. It controls a broad range of chewing and sucking insects on certain fruit, vegetable, herbaceous ornamentals, trees and shrubs. Also used around homes and foundations to control mosquitoes, flies and certain other insects and on lawns to control clover mites. Malathion is available is several formulations including dusts, wettable powder and emulsifiable concentrates.

Cautions/Instructions: Read the product label carefully of the brand and formulation you have selected. Apply the product according to the directions on the label. If using on food crops, be sure to follow the appropriate harvest waiting period for each specific crop. Avoid spraying in windy conditions and do not spray bodies of water or allow drift or runoff into the same. Do not spray when bees or present or active.

Toxicity: Toxic to humans. Moderate toxicity for birds. Moderate to high toxicity for fish and aquatic organisms. Very high toxicity to bees and many other beneficial insects. One of the few organophosphate insecticides that is still available. Be aware of the possibility of future elimination from the marketplace.