Which control material, derived from soil bacteria, is used to kill mosquito larvae?

Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) is a biological control agent specifically targeting mosquito larvae. It is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces toxins harmful to certain aquatic organisms, including mosquito larvae, when ingested. When BTI is applied to water bodies where mosquitoes breed, the larvae consume the bacteria, leading to their death. This method is particularly effective because it poses minimal risk to other non-target organisms and the environment, making it a preferred choice in integrated pest management strategies for mosquito control.

In contrast, the other options listed are synthetic insecticides. Malathion, pyrethrin, and chlorpyrifos are chemical pesticides that can be used for adult mosquito control or other pests but do not specifically target mosquito larvae in the same effective and environmentally friendly manner as BTI. Understanding the differences in these control materials is crucial for selecting the appropriate method for managing mosquito populations.