A History of Innovation and
Thought Leadership

Central Life Sciences has been at the forefront of mosquito control’s evolution since the very beginning. It started more than 50 years ago when the company’s founders created an entirely new class of insect control, insect growth regulators (IGRs), with the groundbreaking discovery of methoprene. The category would grow with the following discoveries of hydroprene and kinoprene, but it all traces back to the search for a more environmentally compatible way to control mosquitoes.

Over the decades, MADs and PHOs across the country have come to depend on our diverse portfolio of mosquito management solutions. This line has been continuously improved by innovation and includes patented formulations and delivery technologies along with a breadth of larvicides and adulticides.

As the preeminent industry supporter of the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), we have sponsored AMCA webinars, national and regional association meetings and events, and have even funded travel for first-time attendees of AMCA Washington Days who could not otherwise afford to attend, including students.

The following details the significant milestones in the history of a mosquito control portfolio that has continuously evolved. Evolved by innovation.

 

Vector Timeline 2 1 
  • 1968: Dr. Carl Djerassi founded Zoëcon to commercialize his team's revolutionary discovery: insect growth regulators (IGRs). These molecules, starting with methoprene and later expanding to include hydroprene and kinoprene, revolutionized pest control. Unlike traditional methods, IGRs disrupt the insect life cycle, preventing development and reproduction.
  • 1975: In a groundbreaking move for mosquito control, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted full commercial registration to racemic methoprene. Marketed as Altosid® SR-10 Insect Growth Regulator (now Altosid® Liquid Larvicide), this innovative product effectively controls floodwater mosquitoes by targeting their larval stage.
  • 1979: Permethrin was registered as an insecticide by the EPA. This active ingredient powers the Perm-X™ line of adulticides that Central Life Sciences would later add to its comprehensive collection of mosquito control solutions.
  • 1986: Altosid® 30-Day Briquets were introduced as the ideal solution for effective mosquito control in challenging locations such as catch basins, ponds, lakes, roadside ditches, and surface water receptacles.
  • 1990: Altosid® Pellets with DR-tech were launched in April, featuring a slow release of (S)-methoprene, providing up to 30 days of residual control. This granular larvicide breaks the mosquito life cycle and can be applied up to 15 days before flooding or during any larval development stage.
  • 1997: Altosid XR-G® was designed for extended residual control of mosquito larvae, including those transmitting diseases like West Nile and Zika viruses. Effective for up to 21 days, it targets larvae in stagnant water and is ideal for aerial applications over large areas, including ponds and lakes.
  • 2007: Zenivex® adulticide was launched by Central Life Sciences, featuring etofenprox as the active ingredient. This mosquito adulticide, with its non-restricted use status, quickly became a go-to solution in mosquito abatement programs due to its high efficacy and minimal environmental impact.
  • 2013: Central Mosquito Control expanded its mosquito control portfolio by acquiring FourStar® Microbial Products, strengthening its capabilities in microbial mosquito control. These products are derived from naturally occurring soil bacteria that stop juvenile mosquitoes from emerging as adults.
  • 2017: Dual-active control solution Duplex™-G was added to the Central Life Sciences product portfolio to provide a quick kill and long residual control. It supports pre-flood treatments and boasts high bulk density for superior foliage penetration.
  • 2017: Altosid® P35 larvicide was launched with a unique granule formulation that provides up to 35 days of residual control in continuously wet conditions. Its smooth, uniform design ensures easy calibration and effective aerial and ground applications across various larval habitats.
  • 2024: Central Life Sciences acquired Leading Edge Aerial Technologies, the pioneers in UAS aerial mosquito-control applications. This integration of leading mosquito control products, technology, software, applications, and expertise created an offering of end-to-end solutions unmatched within the industry.

Central Life Sciences continues to lead the industry forward through innovation with ongoing product development and research into the compatibility of its product line with the most advanced application technologies available. We will continue to elevate mosquito control into the future by offering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern mosquito management programs.