AGNIQUE® MMF does not work like any other type of larvicide or pupicide on the market. To understand and properly use AGNIQUE® MMF, it must be evaluated based on its own characteristics, the habitat and the mosquito species to be controlled. AGNIQUE® MMF will be slower acting on different mosquito species and at different mosquito life stages, however as long as the film is present AGNIQUE® MMF will effectively prevent adult emergence.
The AGNIQUE® MMF film is only one molecule thick so mosquitoes do not instantly suffocate like they do when exposed to petroleum based pupicide oils. Rather, mosquitoes are unable to attach to the surface of the water and eventually wear down and drown. Because of the variance in oxygen requirements between different mosquito species and different life stages, this can often result in slower control rates which should not be mistaken for poor product performance. AGNIQUE® MMF provides some level of control at all
of the life stages on these species, however total control may not be
achieved until these mosquitoes progress to the fourth instar of even
pupae stages. However as long as the AGNIQUE® MMF film
remains persistant the mosquitoes will not be able to fully emerge so
effective control will be achieved. To effectively evaluate the
performance of AGNIQUE® MMF we recommend an initial efficacy check at 72 hours post treatment and as long as the film is present to rest assured that control will be achieved before the mosquitoes are able to successfully emerge.
- The AGNIQUE®
MMF surface film typically persists on the water’s surface for 5 to 21
days. The film is degraded through natural bio-degradation so polluted
waters will result in more rapid degradation of the film. Higher
application rates in accordance to the label will help to prolong film
life and extend the interval between treatment in these areas.
- AGNIQUE® MMF
should only be applied with clean equipment that is free from any
residue or moisture.
- AGNIQUE® MMF
can be applied by all conventional spray methods and equipment, such
as trigger application spray bottles, pressurized sprayers and aerial
equipment.
- If stored in a pressurized sprayer, make sure that all pressure is released prior to storing to prevent the AGNIQUE® MMF from seeping out around
the o-rings.
- Tests have demonstrated that Viton® is the best choice of o-ring materials for use with AGNIQUE® MMF. Kalrez and Buna N are also acceptable. Neoprene should not be used due to swelling of the material and discoloration of the AGNIQUE® MMF.
Globules of AGNIQUE® MMF will be visible in the water under three conditions:
- If a great excess of MMF is applied, the MMF
will spread until a monolayer is achieved. The excess MMF will remain
in globules on the water surface and act as a resevoir in case of
expanding waters.
- If the MMF is sprayed as heavy stream with
the nozzle too close to the water surface, globules of MMF may
temporarily appear in the water. This is a temporary condition, as the
MMF will disperse given time.
- If the water temperature is less than 50F (10C), the MMF will appear in opaque globules until it disperses. Complete spreading of the MMF may take 15-30 minutes at low water temperatures.
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