Diflubenzuron

Target Pests

Mosquito larvae, gypsy moth caterpillars, forest defoliators, fly larvae (in manure and livestock settings), leafminers, whitefly nymphs, fungus gnats. Primarily effective against larval/immature stages - does NOT kill adult insects.

Products and Brand Names

Dimilin (the original brand, Chemtura/LANXESS), Micromite (ornamental), Adept (livestock), various generic diflubenzuron products. Used extensively in government mosquito abatement and forest pest management programs.

Safety and Precautions

Low mammalian toxicity. Chitin synthesis inhibitors are inherently selective because mammals do not produce chitin. However, diflubenzuron is toxic to aquatic crustaceans (shrimp, crabs, lobsters) because they also produce chitin. Use extreme caution near marine and freshwater environments.

Pro Tips

Mosquito control: Diflubenzuron is applied to standing water where mosquito larvae develop. It prevents larvae from molting to the pupal stage. Very effective in large-scale mosquito abatement programs. Applied by ground or aerial application to wetlands, ditches, and flood pools.

Selectivity advantage: Unlike broad-spectrum larvicides, diflubenzuron primarily affects arthropods that must molt. Fish, birds, mammals, and adult insects are not directly affected. This makes it useful in sensitive habitats where fish and amphibian populations must be protected.

Gypsy moth programs: USDA and state agencies use diflubenzuron aerially to suppress gypsy moth outbreaks in forests. It is applied when caterpillars are in early instars (small) for maximum effectiveness.

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