Vector Control: Reduce Mosquito & Tick Populations with Green Solutions

ISCA is developing a line of green Attract & Kill products for vector management that are long-lasting, effective, and dramatically reduce the use of insecticides.
Mosquitoes, biting flies, black flies, ticks, and others may carry and transmit diseases to humans—a concern to governments, businesses, and individuals alike. They are not only vectors of disease but also nuisances that reduce access to the outdoors, regional house values, tourism, and even other economic activities.

Mosquitoes, the most commonly known vector, are one of the deadliest pests alive and can transmit diseases such as Zika, malaria, West Nile fever, Chikungunya, and more. Ticks are also of concern. In addition to transmitting the debilitating Lyme disease parasite, there is an ever growing global threat from novel tick-borne diseases.

The ISCA Approach to Integrated Vector Management (IVM)

Rather than “carpet bombing” entire areas with conventional broad spectrum pesticides, ISCA’s IVM technologies combine the power of semiochemical attraction with the lethal effect of tiny amounts of insecticide to attract vectors to contact or feed on the formulation. This allows us to use far less insecticide per area and to be highly efficient in killing vectors without affecting humans, pets, wildlife, or non-target insects.

	CONVENTIONAL PESTICIDES	ISCA MATING DISRUPTION
Safety	High exposure to toxins + The carpet bombing practice means that entire areas must be sprayed with pesticides —including surrounding vegetation, the air we breathe and the water we drink. Its use in public areas has been called into question due to an increasing body of research linking pesticides to human disease.	Little to no exposure to toxins, virtually non-toxic + By relying on natural-occurring semiochemical attractants and repellents, ISCA uses a smarter, efficient, and more effective approach to control vector pests while greatly reducing insecticide usage.
Residue	High residue - “Carpet bomb” all breeding & resting sites + Traditional pesticides involve mass spraying and must be applied to every breeding and resting site. This inefficient practice creates a high risk of human exposure, leaves residue on vegetation, and results in runoff into surrounding areas and water bodies.	Low residue - Contacts < 1% of target area + ISCA’s Integrated Vector Management (IVM) technologies attract vectors to the bait so that carpet bombing is unnecessary. Only a small percentage of areas are affected, resulting in virtually no human exposure, residue, or runoff.
Approach	Chasing after pests + Conventional pesticide use is reactive, meaning we must chase after pests after they’ve already infiltrated an area.	Making pests come to bait + ISCA’s Integrated Vector Management (IVM) solutions offer a proactive approach that target larvae and adults, eliminating vectors before they can transmit diseases.
Resistance	High risk of resistance + Insects build up a resistance to conventional pesticides after repeated exposure. More product must be applied over time to maintain effectiveness. According to the World Health Organization, insecticide resistance is the greatest threat to vectored disease control.	Low risk of resistance + ISCA’s natural-based formulas eliminate resistance for a more sustainable solution.
Environmental Footprint	High risk to humans, pets & water systems + The poisonous nature of pesticides combined with blanket spraying can be toxic to humans, pets, and wildlife. Conventional pesticide usage can also contaminate our water supply and surrounding vegetation.	Low risk to humans, pets & water systems + ISCA’s IVM products contact a small portion of the target area and do not drift in the air, reducing our environmental footprint and the risk of human exposure exponentially. ISCA’s solutions also utilize substantially less insecticide than conventional products, making them a highly preferable, eco-friendly alternative.
Efficacy	Short field life + Most vector-killing agents only last a few days and must be frequently reapplied, creating gaps in protection.	Long field life + ISCA’s IVM formulas eliminate gaps in protection with long-lasting field performance and protection.