Spheratax®

Product Details

Why Public Health Programs Choose Spheratax^® 

Extended Residual Control in Challenging Environments 

Spheratax is specifically formulated with Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that excels in polluted and organically rich water sources. The binary protein toxin produced by Ls provides exceptional efficacy against all Culex species, Psorophora, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Coquillettidia perturbans, as well as some Aedes species, while delivering up to four weeks of extended control rather than days.

This extended residual activity makes Spheratax particularly valuable for hard-to-reach polluted or high organic breeding sites, reducing the frequency of treatments and improving operational efficiency. Programs can achieve consistent control with longer retreatment intervals, making it ideal for challenging environments like stormwater drainage systems, including catch basins, wastewater, and salt marshes. 

Essential for Resistance Management 

Spheratax provides a crucial biological mode of action that complements Spinosad or Bti-based larvicides such as Natular^® and AquaBac^® in rotational programs. The unique binary toxin mechanism of Lysinibacillus sphaericus targets different mosquito gut receptors than other microbial larvicides, making it an essential tool for preventing resistance development and maintaining long-term program effectiveness. 

Proven Safety and Environmental Compatibility 

Like other microbial larvicides, such as AquaBac’s Bti, Spheratax has an excellent environmental profile. It is highly selective for mosquito larvae and can be applied to areas that contain aquatic life, fish, and plants. This favorable safety profile makes it suitable for use in sensitive areas, including residential neighborhoods, parks, and areas used by wildlife. 

How Spheratax Works 

Spheratax is formulated with the active ingredient Lysinibacillus sphaericus (Ls), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces binary protein toxins that are effective against mosquito larvae. When water is treated with Spheratax:

• Mosquito larvae ingest the Ls binary protein toxins as well as bacterial spores 

• The Ls binary protein toxins bind to specific receptors in the larval gut 

• Gut membrane damage occurs, and larvae stop feeding 

• Larvae die shortly after 

• The bacterial spores present can resporulate and produce more Ls spores and binary protein toxins, and then infect other mosquito larvae, and this cycle repeats 

• Ls provides extended control for up to 4 weeks after the initial application 

This targeted mode of action means Spheratax is highly specific to certain mosquito species while treated water remains safe for people, pets, wildlife, and beneficial insects. 

Formulation Options 

Spheratax is available in two types of formulations designed for different application methods and treatment scenarios. 

Spheratax SPH (50G) – Granule 

Granular formulation ideal for aerial application and backpack spreaders. 

Applications: 

• Aerial application over large treatment areas 

• Drone application over medium-sized treatment areas 

• Backpack spreaders for ground crews 

• Standing water, catch basins, and retention ponds 

• Hard-to-reach breeding sites 

Package Size: 40 lb bag 

Spheratax SPH (50G) WSP – Water Soluble Packets 

Pre-measured water-soluble packets with 10 grams of Spheratax SPH (50G) granules for convenient, precise applications. 

Applications: 

• Small to medium treatment sites 

• Storm drains and catch basins 

• Ground crew applications 

• Areas requiring precise dosing 

Package Size: 40x10g WSP per bag; 20 bags per case (800 WSPs total per case) 

Supporting Your Program’s Success 

Choosing Spheratax means partnering with Clarke, a family-owned company with 80 years of expertise in sustainable mosquito management. Our commitment extends beyond the product itself—we provide comprehensive technical support from vector control experts, hands-on application guidance and training, rigorous product stewardship and quality assurance, plus educational resources to help both your staff and community members understand effective mosquito management. 

Contact Clarke to discuss how Spheratax can enhance your integrated mosquito management strategy.