fenthion

Fenthion is an organothiophosphate insecticide used as a contact and stomach poison against a wide range of biting and sucking pests including fruit flies, mosquitoes (both adult and larvae), stem borers, cereal bugs and animal parasites. It is also used as an avicide (to control pest birds) and acaricide. Its primary mechanism of action is inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes—specifically acetylcholinesterase—leading to accumulation of acetylcholine at nerve synapses and neuromuscular junctions. This results in continuous nerve impulse transmission causing muscle spasms and potentially death in target organisms[1][2][7]. Fenthion has been widely applied in agriculture (e.g., sugar cane, rice), livestock (cattle for lice/flea/tick control), public health mosquito abatement programs (notably Florida), and bird pest management. Due to its toxicity profile—including moderate to acute toxicity in mammals—and environmental concerns especially regarding birds and aquatic life exposure risk[2][5], it has been classified as a restricted use pesticide by the US EPA; FDA approval for human-related uses has been withdrawn[3]. Fenthion also exhibits antiandrogenic activity but not significant estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects[6].

Brand names

AvigelAvigreaseEntexBaytexBaycidDalfDMPTMercaptophosPrentoxFenthion 4EFenthion4EFenthion-4EQueletoxLebaycidSpotton

Other names

mercaptophos