WHAT’S NEW IN 2022 FOR BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS ISRAELENSIS (BTI)
SCIENTIFIC REVIEW BY A EUROPEAN THIRD PARTY
Kersia Group acquired GDG Environnement in 2019. Since formation, Kersia Group has been driven by fundamental values and has committed to a sustainable development approach. The working methods and all products used by the subsidiaries undergo exhaustive assessment to ensure compliance with the company’s environmental values.
Biological larvicide, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), is not an exception to this rule and has gone through the same strict process. Socotec Group, an independent third party specializing in environmental risk and impact analysis, was appointed to conduct the Bti assessment. This Group’s colossal work helped to absorb scientific information and reach a decision on the safety of this biological control tool.
After reviewing the vast scientific literature available, the Group came to the conclusion that the overall positive consensus towards Bti is still relevant. “Overall, Bti remains the n°1 recommended larvicide for mosquito control in Europe, the USA and South America ”. Its use for vector control purposes is highly encouraged, but unfortunately remains difficult to access in the most inflicted countries.
Bti continues to be the preferred tool in pest control programs; the benefits largely outweigh the negative effects. In Canada, the city of Ottawa has been controlling mosquitoes using larvicides (Bti) for several years.
TRIALS CONDUCTED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA
The University of Ottawa is tasked annually with environmental monitoring of the effects of Bti on non-target species. Whereas previous monitoring exercises showed the safety margins for Bti on chironomids, recent data from 2022 confirmed the safety margins for different species of frogs (up to 600 times the dosage used).
The following chart shows the safety margins based on the operational dosages used.
*Source: Madelaine Empey, University of Ottawa 2022
THE BENEFITS LARGELY OUTWEIGH THE DRAWBACKS
As a collective, we are more and more aware about achieving a better balance between human actions and environmental protection. With the flow of information we are faced with every day, it’s important not to take any shortcuts. The considerable scientific consensus on the subject firmly supports responsible management of pest control using biological larvicides. Biological larvicides applied responsibly, involving targeting and minimum dosages, as practised by GDG, help minimize the impact on the environment and draw the most benefits in a healthier environment, without using considerably more harmful products. It is possible to reconcile the ENVIRONMENT and QUALITY OF LIFE when our actions are based on the right choices. Responsible management of problems caused by biting insects also contributes to protecting wetlands as a habitat close to larval development sites without suffering the discomfort and risks of diseases associated with these vectors. Our scientific intelligence remains active and we assure you of our full commitment to informing you about any important developments on this subject.
GDG Environnement has been offering a multitude of services aimed to help improve quality of life and protect public health for over 35 years. The team has performed over 1,100 municipal mandates to control biting insects using biological larvicides. The GDG laboratory has been awarded certification by Health Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory (viral zoonoses) and conducts molecular analysis by “PCR test” on mosquitoes and ticks to identify the presence of infectious agents. GDG also carries out monitoring of biological health of aquatic environments. Benthic analysis characterize benthic macroinvertebrate communities. These measures relating to living things are necessary to assess the overall health of aquatic ecosystems. Now registered: an auto-dissemination device of entomopathogenic fungi is the new tool to control emerald ash borer: https://www.fraxiprotec.com/.
For more information on Bti, please consult this document: Everything you should know about Bti by clicking on this link: