It is only effective against larvae since it needs to be ingested. At the community level it is available so called Mosquito Dunks. Natural Enemies Mosquito larvae are an important food for aquatic organisms. Fish, insects, and spiders pray on them. Chemical Control of Mosquitoes Growth Regulators Insect growth regulators do not kill the larvae, but prevent them from developing into adults.
Application is difficult since only mature larvae are affected.
Most growth regulators do not harm other non-target species. Suffolk County Vector Control uses the class of pesticides in the saltwater-marshes, applying them by helicopter at the appropriate time. Larviciding Petroleum oils and mineral oils can be applied to the water. The resulting oil film over the the surface suffocates the eggs, larvae, and pupae. Rain, wind, waves may break up the oil film and makes it less effective.