Fenthion

Fenthion is an organothiophosphate insecticide, avicide, and acaricide. Like most other organophosphates, its mode of action is via cholinesterase inhibition. Due to its relatively low toxicity towards humans and mammals, fenthion is listed as moderately toxic compound in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization toxicity class.

Uses

Fenthion is a contact and stomach insecticide used against many sucking, biting pests. It is particularly effective against fruit flies, leaf hoppers, cereal bugs, stem borers, mosquitoes, animal parasites, mites, aphids, codling moths, and weaver birds. It has been widely used in sugar cane, rice, field corn, beets, pome and stone fruit, citrus fruits, pistachio, cotton, olives, coffee, cocoa, vegetables, and vines.

Based on its high toxicity on birds, fenthion has been used to control weaver birds and other pest-birds in many parts of the world. Fenthion is also used in cattle, swine, and dogs to control lice, fleas, ticks, flies, and other external parasites.