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What is Methomyl?

Karyn Maier
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 17,624
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Methomyl is a water-soluble crystalline solid that gives off a sulfurous odor. Highly toxic, it is classified as a carbamate insecticide that is designated as being a Restricted use Pesticide (RUP) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since the late 1960s, the substance has been used as a pesticide on commercial fruit and vegetable crops as well as stored products. Its application as an insecticide is highly effective against a wide variety of pests, particularly those that are resistant to organophosphorus pesticides.

Initially, Dupont registered methomyl with the EPA for use as an insecticide for commercially grown chrysanthemums in 1968. However, its use soon gained favor to help protect livestock and even commercial real estate from pests. Since that time, it has been used to treat almost all commercial production of lettuce, rhubarb, asparagus, artichokes and pomegranates in the U.S.

While there have been very few clinical studies conducted to determine the potential adverse effects of methomyl on human health, it is reasonable to assume that information collected from animal-based models can be extrapolated to people. For this reason, modifications on the regulated usage of methomyl have taken place since the mid-1990s. For example, it is no longer to be used in greenhouses or as an additive to fly bait. In addition, it is now required that a bitter agent be added to preparations to discourage children from accidentally ingesting them.

Methomyl is readily absorbed through the skin and by inhalation of fine particles. Its mechanism of action is to inhibit cholinesterase, an enzyme produced in the liver that regulates nervous system functioning. The telltale symptoms of toxicity by this route are uncontrolled muscle movements, spasms, convulsions, etc. The insecticide is also absorbed through the intestinal tract. In fact, ingestion of this substance equates to a fast-acting poison in both humans and animals. However, if the ingested dose is not too high and action is taken quickly, poisoning may be counterchecked by one or more injections of atropine. Metabolism of methomyl occurs by hydrolysis before it degrades into the byproducts carbon dioxide and acetonitrile.

This substance is also commonly referred to as metomil or mesomile, although it’s proper chemical name is S-methyl N-(methylcarbamoyloxy) thioacetimidate. It is also known by many trade names.

As might be expected, methomyl products carry the crossbones and skull insignia on the label. For workers who come into contact with this insecticide, it is necessary to wear protective clothing, gloves and eye wear, as well as breathe through an organic-vapor respirator.

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Karyn Maier
By Karyn Maier
Contributing articles to HomeQuestionsAnswered is just one of Karyn Maier's many professional pursuits. Based in New York's Catskill Mountain region, Karyn is also a magazine writer, columnist, and author of four books. She specializes in topics related to green living and botanical medicine, drawing from her extensive knowledge to create informative and engaging content for readers.
Discussion Comments
By anon1005607 — On Oct 06, 2021

Why is it that people feel that it is necessary to utilize pesticide applications pictures from third world countries? Also, being applied to a non-registered crop! Propaganda!

By anon337747 — On Jun 07, 2013

Just because something is certified organic does not mean it hasn't been sprayed.

By SZapper — On Jun 06, 2012

I think it's a good thing that a bitter agent is added to methomyl to discourage consumption by children and the skull and crossbones label is used. However, I would just like to point out that there is absolutely no reason for this pesticide to be anywhere near children!

I imagine this stuff is mostly used at commercial farms where there aren't any children around anyway. And people who run small, family farms should definitely store chemicals securely so children don't even have a chance to get near them! Especially a chemical as toxic as methomyl.

By Azuza — On Jun 06, 2012

@JessicaLynn - Well, I've never heard of anyone dying from methomyl poisoning from eating vegetables. I'm pretty sure that there are regulations that govern how much pesticide is left on a vegetable by the time it gets to the store, and the amount has to be very low. So I don't think there is any cause for alarm.

I don't know why people get so upset about pesticides anyway. They're pretty essential for modern farming. Without them, there are a ton of different bugs and animals that can harm crops, which results in lower profits for farmers and a low food supply for the general population.

By JessicaLynn — On Jun 05, 2012

I always question the use of highly toxic substances like methomyl on food for human consumption. If it's highly toxic, why are we putting it on our food? I'm guess you wouldn't get enough of it to kill you just from eating lettuce treated with this stuff, but what about the buildup over time?

That's why I try to buy mostly organic produce, when I can. I don't want to eat food that has a ton of chemicals and pesticides on it! Fruit and vegetables should be clean when you eat them, not covered in poison.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Contributing articles to HomeQuestionsAnswered is just one of Karyn Maier's many professional pursuits. Based in New...
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