Product Overview & Basics

What is Flyban and how does it work?

Flyban is a biological larvicide derived from naturally-occurring soil bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti). It is a naturally occurring soil bacterium discovered in Israel's Negev Desert in 1977. The product contains viable spores with a spore count of 30 x 10⁶ ml minimum and potency of 630 ITU/mg minimum.

When mosquito larvae ingest Bti crystals in water, the alkaline environment of their digestive system dissolves these crystalline structures, releasing four major protoxins: Cry4Aa, Cry4Ba, Cry11Aa, and Cyt1Aa. These activated toxins bind to specific receptors on the mosquito's midgut epithelial cells, creating pores that cause cell destruction, gut paralysis, and ultimately death within 24-48 hours.

What larvae can Flyban control?

Flyban specifically targets the larval stages of:indogulfbioag+1

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• Mosquitoes (Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex species)

• Black flies (Simulium species)

• Fungus gnats (Bradysia species)

• Non-biting midges (Chironomus species)

• Other aquatic Diptera with similar larval biology

What are the key benefits of using Flyban?

The primary benefits include:indogulfbioag+2

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• Extreme specificity: Only affects target insect larvae, leaving non-target organisms unharmed

• Environmental safety: Breaks down within days to weeks; no persistence in soil or water

• No resistance development: Over 36 years of use in Germany with no detectable resistanceindogulfbioag​

• Cost-effective production: Can utilize waste materials in fermentation processes

• Organic certification: Approved for use in certified organic farming operationsindogulfbioag+1​

• Multi-toxin strategy: Contains four different toxins targeting different receptors, making resistance evolution extremely difficultindogulfbioag

Safety & Health Concerns

Is Flyban safe for humans?

Yes, Flyban poses no risk to human health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extensively tested Bti and concluded it does not pose health risks to people. Key safety features include:epa+2

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• No toxicity when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin

• Approved for organic farming operations

• Safe for drinking water supplies with negligible exposure risk

• Only mild eye or skin irritation may occur with direct contact to concentrated products

This safety is because Bti toxins only activate in the alkaline environment of the digestive systems of specific insects. The acidic stomachs of humans and animals do not activate Bti toxins.gdg+1

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Is Flyban safe for pets and livestock?

Absolutely. Flyban demonstrates excellent safety for animals:​

• Non-toxic to mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles

• Safe for fish—studies show no adverse effects on various fish species even at high concentrations

• No impact on livestock or grazing animals

• Laboratory studies confirm safety across multiple animal species

Is Flyban safe for beneficial insects like honeybees?

Yes, Flyban is completely safe for honeybees and beneficial pollinators: indogulfbioag

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• Non-toxic to honeybees and other beneficial pollinators

• Does not harm bee larvae or affect hive health

• Provides a safe alternative to chemical insecticides that often harm bee populations

• Safe for all non-target organisms due to its extreme specificity

Can Flyban contaminate drinking water?

No. Registered products containing Bti are safe for drinking water supplies: canada+3

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• Label restrictions permit application only to aquatic sites where mosquito and black fly larvae are found

• Bti can be used for pest control in organic farming operations

• Following review of human health risk assessments, health agencies have determined that products containing Bti do not pose health risks to humans or other mammals

• Direct application to treated, finished drinking water is not considered acceptable practice, but water used for other purposes remains safe

• The risk of exposure through drinking water is negligible gdg

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Application & Effectiveness

How should Flyban be applied?

Flyban can be applied using several methods: doh.wa+1

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Liquid Formulations: Mix at recommended doses (0.5-1 ml per square meter of water body) and apply as a spray using spray equipment or a backpack blower for large areas.

Granular/Briquette Formulations: Can be spread directly over water surfaces or dropped into water bodies.

Application Methods:

• Ultra-low volume (ULV) applications using specialized aircraft

• Truck-mounted equipment for roadside ditches and drainage areas

• Backpack sprayers for small areas and targeted applications

• Hand applications using granules or dunks in containers and water features

Dosage Recommendations: indogulfbioag

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• Foliar Application: 0.5-1 ml per square meter of water body

• 1 Acre dose: 2-4 L

• 1 Hectare dose: 5-10 L

• Use lower doses for cleaner water and higher doses for polluted water bodies

• Apply at 1-2 week intervals

How effective is Flyban at killing mosquito larvae?

Flyban is highly effective: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+3

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• Studies have shown that Bti can kill 90-100% of larvae within 24-48 hours at effective concentrations - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+1​

• Some Bti formulations achieve 91-100% larval mortality within 24 hours- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih​

• Semi-field trials show consistent effectiveness across different dosages

• Bti was shown to be highly effective at very low dosage rates—as low as 0.2 kg/ha against Anopheles larvae- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih​

• Highest effectiveness (96-100%) achieved at optimal concentrations, even with 3rd and 4th instar larvae- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih

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How long does Flyban remain effective?

The duration of effectiveness depends on environmental conditions and formulation type: -pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+2

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• Liquid formulations: Typically 1-2 weeks in moderately polluted water; shorter in highly polluted water

• Granular formulations: Up to one month or longer under certain conditions

• Field persistence: 35 days observed in moderately polluted water bodies compared to 21 days in highly polluted water - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih​

• Bti breaks down quickly in the environment and may need to be reapplied regularly to obtain adequate mosquito control

• Megadoses of dry formulations can provide residual control through 11 weeks in small containers - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih

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What is the optimal application timing?

Timing is critical for Flyban effectiveness: - emtoscipublisher+1

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• Apply Bti during peak larval hatching periods to maximize effectiveness

• Early morning or late afternoon applications are preferable

• Apply during dry weather—avoid application if rain is forecast within 24 hours

• Milder temperatures are preferable for application, as extreme heat may reduce effectiveness

• For continuous control, apply every 7-14 days during peak breeding seasons

• Avoid application during extreme temperature conditions

What water conditions affect Flyban's effectiveness?

Water quality significantly impacts Bti effectiveness: - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+1

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• Effectiveness is influenced by water temperature, sunlight, and vegetation coverage

• Cleaner water bodies: Lower doses are effective; use 1-2 ppm (parts per million)

• Polluted water bodies: Higher doses are required for comparable effectiveness

• Organic content in water can reduce Bti penetration and effectiveness

• In laboratory conditions, Bti deposition and effectiveness are more predictable

• In field conditions, natural environmental factors create variable results

Resistance & Long-term Use

Can mosquitoes develop resistance to Flyban?

No documented resistance has been observed:- emtoscipublisher+2

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• Research spanning decades shows remarkably low resistance development to Bti

• No significant field resistance has been detected after decades of use

• Laboratory studies show only modest resistance development (2-3 fold) after intensive selection

• 36 years of use in Germany with no detectable resistance in Aedes vexans populations - - emtoscipublisher+1​

• Over 189 generations of mosquitoes treated in Germany with no resistance development

Why is Flyban resistant to resistance development?

Several factors prevent resistance development:- emtoscipublisher+2

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• Multi-toxin strategy: Bti contains four different toxins (Cry4Aa, Cry4Ba, Cry11Aa, and Cyt1Aa) targeting different receptors, making simultaneous resistance evolution extremely difficult

• Complex mode of action: The requirement for specific gut pH (10-11), multiple receptors, and protein activation creates multiple barriers to resistance

• No single target: Unlike chemical insecticides, Bti's multiple mechanisms prevent simple genetic mutations from conferring resistance

• Synergistic Cyt1Aa mechanism: Acts as a surrogate receptor and prevents resistance by targeting different membrane components

What is the recommended resistance management strategy?

Proactive resistance management strategies include: - emtoscipublisher+1

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• Rotation with other biological agents like Bacillus sphaericus to create alternative selective pressures

• Combination products that mix multiple active ingredients

• Monitoring programs using sensitive detection methods to identify early resistance signals

• Integrated pest management approaches combining multiple control strategies with Flyban

• Habitat modification to reduce mosquito breeding sites and application pressure

Environmental Impact

Q16: What is the environmental impact of Flyban?

Extensive research spanning over four decades confirms Flyban's environmental safety: - indogulfbioag+2

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• Rapidly biodegradable—breaks down within days to weeks after application

• No persistence in soil or water systems

• Minimal impact on non-target organisms including beneficial insects

• Does not affect food crops when applied safely

• Does not harm water supplies or non-target wildlife

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency categorizes the risks posed by Bti strains to non-target organisms as minimal to non-existent - canada​

Are there any concerns about non-target organisms?

While Bti is highly specific to target mosquito species, some research has identified potential impacts on non-target Diptera: - nature

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• Chironomid midges (non-biting midges) show increased sensitivity to Bti, particularly early larval instars

• First-instar Chironomus riparius larvae are approximately 100-fold more sensitive than fourth-instar larvae - nature​

• Operational field dosages may reduce chironomid emergence rates by approximately 50% - emtoscipublisher​

• In worst-case acute toxicity scenarios, the risk ratio for first-instar chironomids significantly exceeds acceptable regulatory thresholds- nature​

• However, field studies show variable results—some detecting reductions while others find no effects- nature​

Can Flyban be used on agricultural crops?

Yes, Flyban can be safely used in agricultural settings: - indogulfbioag+1

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• No impact on food crops—can be applied safely without contaminating produce

• Water supply protection—safe for use in drinking water sources

• Organic certification—approved for use in certified organic farming

• Safe for use in greenhouse environments against fungus gnat larvae

• Particularly useful for pest control in aquaculture systems

Disease Control Applications

Can Flyban help control disease-carrying mosquitoes?

Yes. Flyban has been shown to be effective in controlling mosquitoes that transmit diseases: - indogulfbioag+1

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• Dengue fever: Controls Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which transmit dengue, Zika virus, and chikungunya

• Malaria: Controls Anopheles species mosquitoes

• West Nile virus: Controls Culex species

• Onchocerciasis (River blindness): Controls black fly vectors

• Other diseases: Controls vector species for filarial parasites and livestock diseases

Has Flyban been used in public mosquito control programs?

Yes, extensively: -indogulfbioag+1

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• Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Michigan regularly conduct Bti spraying programs

• Miami-Dade County used aerial Bti during the 2016 Zika outbreak to break transmission cycles

• Germany has operated a mosquito control program using Bti since 1981, treating approximately 189 generations of mosquitoes

• Bti has been deployed in dengue control programs in Malaysia with documented reductions in dengue cases

• Area-wide aerial applications have been successfully conducted in residential neighborhoods across northeastern USA

Storage, Handling & Preparation

How should Flyban be stored?

Proper storage maintains product viability: - indogulfbioag

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• Store in a cool, dark place to preserve bacterial viability

• Protect from direct sunlight

• Maintain appropriate temperature conditions (typically between 2-25°C)

• Do not store mixed solutions for more than 24 hours after mixing with water - indogulfbioag​

• Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions on the product label

• Keep away from extreme temperatures that could damage spores

What precautions should be taken when handling Flyban?

Safety measures when handling Flyban include: indogulfbioag

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• Personal Protective Equipment: Avoid breathing dust from granular formulations

• Wear protective clothing including eye protection and gloves

• Use dust masks when handling concentrated products

• Follow all label instructions carefully

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling

• Prevent contact with eyes and skin from concentrated formulations

How should Flyban be mixed for application?

Proper mixing ensures maximum effectiveness: indogulfbioag

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• Mix Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis at recommended doses in sufficient water

• For foliar spray applications: Mix 0.5-1 ml per square meter of water body

• Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution

• Critical: Do not store mixed solution for more than 24 hours—degradation begins immediately

• After 8 hours of being mixed with water, effectiveness decreases significantly

• Mix only the amount needed for each application to maximize potency

What should I do if I'm accidentally exposed to Flyban?

Exposure is generally not a concern: indogulfbioag

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• Members of the public are unlikely to experience any symptoms if inadvertently exposed to Bti use

• No special precautions are necessary or required for general populations

• In the unlikely event of eye or skin irritation from concentrated products, wash thoroughly with water

• For ingestion concerns, contact a poison control center or healthcare provider (though toxicity is not expected)

• Occupational exposure in manufacturing settings requires standard microbiological safety practices

Product Composition & Technical Details

What is the composition of Flyban?

Flyban's formulation includes the following key components: indogulfbioag+1

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• Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis spores: 5.0% minimum (Viable Spore count: 30 x 10⁶ ml min., Potency: 630 ITU/mg min.)

• Delta endotoxin: 2.0% minimum

• Sodium Alginate: 2.0% maximum (helps with formulation stability)

• Glycerol: 20.0% maximum (preservative and stabilizer)

• Liquid Paraffin: 10.0% maximum (carrier)

• Citric Acid: 0.1% maximum (pH control)

• Sodium Benzoate: 0.2% maximum (preservative)

• Congo Red: 0.5% maximum (tracer dye)

• Water (sterilized): Quantity sufficient to complete formulation

What are ITUs and why are they important?

ITU stands for International Toxic Units, a measure of Bti potency: nature

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• Field application rates for mosquito control in areas like the Upper Rhine Valley are typically fixed at 1,440 or 2,880 ITU/L

• These standardized units allow for consistent dosing across different Bti products

• Potency can vary between formulations, making ITU measurements essential for comparing products

• Higher ITU concentrations allow for more precise dosing in different water conditions

What is the difference between WDG and liquid formulations?

Different Flyban formulations serve different purposes: valentbiosciences+2

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• Water Dispersible Granules (WDG): Dry powder that mixes with water; offers longer storage stability and easier handling for some applications

• Liquid formulations: Ready-to-use suspensions; optimal for spray applications and rapid deployment

• Soluble Liquid formulation: 4,100 ITU per milligram with 1 x 10⁸ CFU per gram indogulfbioag​

• Both formulations are equally effective when applied at recommended rates

• Selection depends on application method, storage conditions, and user preference

Comparison & Integration

How does Flyban compare to chemical larvicides?

Compared to chemical larvicides like temephos and diflubenzuron: imlresearch+1

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• Flyban (Bti): Environmentally safe, no resistance development, specific to target pests, safe for all non-target organisms

• Temephos: Chemical insecticide with potential mortality rates up to 100% but risk of resistance development and environmental concerns

• Diflubenzuron: Works by inhibiting chitin synthesis but lacks the specificity and safety profile of Bti

• Key advantage: Bti's multi-toxin approach makes resistance virtually impossible, unlike chemical alternatives

Can Flyban be combined with other pest control methods?

Yes, Flyban integrates well with comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs: emtoscipublisher+2

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• Can be rotated with other biological agents like Bacillus sphaericus

• Can be combined in products that mix multiple active ingredients

• Works alongside source reduction (eliminating breeding sites)

• Compatible with adult mosquito control methods when necessary

• Integrates with public education and community engagement strategies

• May be combined with chemical agents in certain formulations for enhanced effectiveness

Are there alternative biological control products available alongside Flyban?

Yes, other biological agents can complement Flyban: indogulfbioag+1

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• Bacillus sphaericus: Often combined with Bti to enhance effectiveness against various mosquito species and provide resistance management

• Wolbachia bacteria: For population suppression and disease transmission blocking

• Entomopathogenic fungi: Like Beauveria bassiana for alternative biological control

• Modern technologies: Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs), and autodissemination systems