Direct and indirect efficacy of truck-mounted applications of s-methoprene against Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) |
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Authors: | Christopher S Bibbs Codi S Anderson Michael L Smith Rui-De Xue |
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Institution: | Entomology, Anastasia Mosquito Control District, St. Augustine, FL, USA |
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Abstract: | Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is a globally significant vector that complexifies management programs already contending with Aedes aegypti (L.). The Ae. albopictus mosquito is a daytime biting, container breeding, anthropophilic mosquito that is generally considered unresponsive to operational larviciding that does not also incorporate source reduction. S-methoprene is a readily available juvenile hormone mimic common to pest management. This 14-week study examines direct and indirect treatment efficacy using s-methoprene as an ultra-low volume (ULV) truck spray in area-wide operations against Ae. albopictus in the southeastern United States. An overall 63.3% reduction of Ae. albopictus adults and 47.8% reduction of deposited eggs in treatment areas were observed compared with control. Indirect plots saw reduction in Ae. albopictus adults by 32.7% and eggs by 32.3%. Using insect growth regulator bioassays, truck-mounted ULV application of s-methoprene was effective to an inhibition of emergence (IE) of ≥92% within directly treated (sprayed) areas and >65% IE among containers placed up to 90 m away. S-methoprene could still benefit urban vector management programs when applied at an operational scale. |
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Keywords: | S-methoprene Aedes albopictus insect growth regulator truck-mounted ULV |
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