Chemicals - S-Methoprene

S-METHOPRENE

Indicated in frog deformities​

Accelerates the onset of flight and foraging behaviour in worker bees but also reduces foraging span, total time spent foraging, and the number of completed foraging trips

Anecdotal community evidence of frog population decline

NRIFAEP is using studies from mosquito control to suggest the safety of s-methoprene in fire ant control. However, concentrations of the active ingredient used in mosquito control are much lower than those being used in fire ant control

Residue in plants has been observed up to 30 days after application in alfalfa

At application rates of 5g/kg (as per the fire ant program), Methoprene is toxic to grey tree frog

Insects can develop resistance to Methoprene in as few as 8 generations, as shown in laboratory studies

Cross-resistance to other insecticides may develop once insects are resistant to Methoprene

Methoprene attracts and negatively affects 5 native ant species in Australia, considered a beneficial by-product since these ants are pests; however, the absence of native ants affects other species (e.g., echidna food source)

Where native ants have been removed, anecdotal evidence in SEQ shows fire ants quickly recolonise the area without competition, as experienced in Texas, USA (University of Texas Fire Ant Extension Program)

The withholding periods set for organic farms appear to be based only on the primary chemical breakdown, not metabolites

The science of ‘Withholding periods’ for organic farms has been changed, via two Organic Notices, first to 12 months and then to 3 weeks

The permit for S-Methoprene issued to the NRIFAEP states that property owners are to be instructed to wash their crops at harvest and before consumption/marketing. This is not being done and contradicts the Material Safety Data sheets, which state that S-Methoprene is not to come into contact with products for consumption