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The present research aimed to evaluate the larvicidal activity of several recently discovered natural repellents formulated in lotions against larvae of Aedes aegypti. We used a modified larval bioassay method by the World Health Organization standards in evaluating larval mortality at 24-, 48-, and 72-h exposure. Among the test repellents, 2-undecanone showed 100% mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae, followed by catnip oil, capric acid, coconut oil fatty acids, methyl caprate, methyl laurate, and coconut oil methyl esters. The repellent, 2-undecanone showed median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 73.07, 26.45, and 15.68 ppm at 24-, 48-, and 72-h exposure, respectively. Larvicidal activity varied among the other repellents tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major flooding occurred throughout St. John's County, FL, from Hurricane Matthew on October 8, 2016, and Hurricane Irma on September 11, 2017. The flooding caused mosquito population outbreaks in the middle of October in 2016 and September in 2017. Due to the mosquito population outbreaks, Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) received >3,500 service requests countywide in October 2016 and ≥1,400 service requests in September 2017. During the response to the mosquito population outbreaks caused by the hurricanes, AMCD collaborated with the Emergency Operations Center, Department of Health of St. Johns County, and local media, including television stations, newspapers, and radio stations for public outreach. The AMCD also employed contractors for aerial adulticiding and used every possible resource to successfully control the outbreaks of mosquitoes using both ground and aerial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective and efficient surveillance systems are key for preventing arthropod-borne diseases. We examined the capacity of Florida mosquito control districts (both state-approved and open programs, n = 90; 48.9% response rate). Questions centered on budgets, staffing levels, equipment, vector control measures, and staff perceptions of own agency's capacity to implement routine surveillance and vector control activities. Bivariate analyses indicate that districts with relatively large budgets have advanced capacities regarding staffing levels, employee specialties, mosquito control equipment, conduct routine surveillance and vector control yet they serve only a small proportion of the population. Independent tax districts' average annual budgets were 9 times higher than Board of County Commissioners programs in fiscal year 2017–18. Most respondents indicated that staff is appropriately trained, and has timely access to information and needed equipment for mosquito surveillance and control. Slightly more than half of respondents feel they are understaffed. Perceived understaffing may compromise mosquito surveillance and control efforts in some districts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The effect of travel speed of a truck-mounted ultra-low–volume (ULV) sprayer on its application efficacy was studied at St. Johns County Fairground, Elkton, FL, during summer 2015. The efficacy was assessed by spray deposition, droplet size spectrum, and 24-h mortality of caged adult Aedes aegypti, using 2 rows of sampling locations, 15 m apart and spread up to 122 m from the spray. Each location had a bioassay cage and an impinger droplet sampler, 1 m apart from each other, at 1.5 m off the ground. Aqualuer® 20-20 (20.6% permethrin AI and 20% piperonyl butoxide) was applied at the maximum label rate, travelling at 8, 16, and 32 km/h. Three replications were completed on 3 days at least a week apart, with 1 replication of each travel speed per day. On each application day the travel speeds were rotated. Overall, a travel speed of 32 km/h achieved the highest efficacy of Aqualuer® 20-20, followed by 16 km/h, and then 8 km/h, in an open field. In general, droplet size, deposition, and mosquito mortality increased with increasing travel speed. The increased travel speed will also enhance the work rate of a sprayer and operator, thus reducing the cost of ULV applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three repellent products, OFF! Mosquito Lamp, Insecticandel, and Rescue DecoShield, were comparatively evaluated against Aedes aegypti in 130-m2 enclosed areas with a 317-m3 air volume. The results showed that the OFF! Mosquito Lamp with metofluthrin had a greater effect than the Insecticandel with transfluthrin, which had greater effect than the DecoShield with lemongrass oil and several other plant oils against Ae. aegypti. The OFF! Mosquito Lamp was the only product to exceed 50% mortality. An outdoor semi-field evaluation was conducted to determine the effect by distance of the product. Mosquitoes were stationed in cages at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 m away from the treatment in a downwind linear array and exposed for 10 min. They were recorded for knockdown after treatment and at 24 h for mortality. The OFF! Mosquito Lamp produced 100% mortality indoors and >80% knockdown and 90% mortality within 6 m while outdoors against Ae. aegypti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inconsistencies in efficacy of ultra-low volume (ULV) ground applications in the literature are linked to the lack of adjustments in sprayer parameters. To investigate the effect of nozzle orientation of a truck-mounted ULV sprayer on application efficacy, a study was conducted at St. Johns County Fairground, Elkton, FL, during the summer of 2014. The efficacy was assessed by mortality of caged adult Aedes aegypti, spray deposition, and droplet size spectrum up to 122 m from the spray line. Aqualuer 20-20 (20.6% permethrin active ingredient [AI] and 20% piperonyl butoxide [PBO]) was applied at the maximum label rate with the nozzle pointed 45° upward, horizontal (0°), or 30° downward. Mortality was recorded after 24 h, deposition was determined with fluorometry, and droplets were measured with DropVision. Overall, horizontal nozzle angle spraying Aqualuer 20-20 achieved the highest efficacy followed by a 30° downward angle, while a 45° angle showed the least efficacy in open field tests. The mortality data showed complete mortality from a 0° nozzle up to 122 m from the spray line except for 1 location at 122 m in 1 replication. The mortality from a 30° downward orientation was lower beyond 30 m from the spray line, while the mortality from a 45° upward orientation was low close to the spray line and beyond 30 m. Horizontal orientation had higher deposition than other orientations, but the differences were not significant. There was also no significant difference in droplet spectrum from all orientations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, ranks among the most important vectors of dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya virus. With no specific medications or vaccines available, vector control is the only way to combat these diseases. Autodissemination of the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen (NyGuard®) from a point-source treatment was evaluated in field settings in northeast Florida. The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of pyriproxyfen dissemination from a treatment site to nontreated oviposition sites via the skip oviposition behavior of Ae. albopictus. A spray application was made to a tire pile using a Stihl® SR 420 backpack sprayer. Autodissemination oviposition vases containing oak infusion water were positioned in groups of five at 25 to 400 m in 4 transects surrounding the tire pile. Two sets of 5 control vases containing oak infusion water were placed 1,500 m from the tire pile and oak infusion water samples were collected directly from the tire pile. Fifty milliliter samples were extracted from each vase weekly and preserved for pyriproxyfen residue analysis. All vases were analyzed at week 0 (4 h post-treatment), 1, 2, 4, and 6. Overall, there were no differences in pupal mortality between the control and autodissemination vases. The tire pile samples had significantly more mortality ( P < 0.0001) out to 4 wk when compared to autodissemination and control vases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple surveillance traps are currently available for adult mosquito surveillance. In this study, 2 new types, the Maxttrac™ Uno and Maxttrac™ Breeze mosquito traps, were compared against the BioGents™-Sentinel trap (BGS) for overall success in collecting Aedes albopictus in a 1,027-m2 vehicle enclosure and in the field. The enclosure test results showed both traps collected significantly fewer Ae. albopictus, compared to the BGS trap. The modification of using all BG lures for each trap did not increase the number of mosquitoes collected in the 2 new traps, when compared to collection with the original lures tested in the vehicle enclosure. Field test results showed that BGS trap collected higher numbers of Ae. albopictus than the 2 new traps, regardless of switching lure or not. Overall, the BGS trap was the most effective trap and the 2 new traps could be used as additional tools for the collection of Ae. albopictus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project goal was to determine how a new vector control strategy that targets the sugar-feeding behavior of mosquitoes, attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSBs), can be used to more effectively control West Nile virus (WNV) vectors in the Coachella Valley, California. Three laboratory studies were conducted to determine the utility of this method for control against Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex tarsalis: 1) efficacy evaluations of 2 formulations of ATSB, microencapsulated garlic oil, and a combination of microencapsulated garlic oil and 1% boric acid; 2) choice assays to determine the attractiveness of ATSB with the microencapsulated garlic oil against attractive sugar baits (ASB; the attractant alone; without toxin) and a 10% sucrose solution; and 3) vegetation efficacy tests on 3 common plant species in the Coachella Valley, Atriplex lentiformis, Tamarix ramosissima, and Pluchea sericea. At 48 h the average mortality for Cx. quinquefasciatus was 91% after exposure to ATSB with microencapsulated garlic oil and 99% on ATSB garlic + 1% boric acid solution. Culex tarsalis averaged 86% and 91% mortality following the ATSB microencapsulated garlic oil solution and the ATSB garlic + 1% boric acid solution, respectively. Choice assays indicated that the there were differences in preferences between the solutions and between species. Both Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. tarsalis were found to prefer the ASB and ATSB solutions to the 10% sucrose solution. However, when comparing the ASB to ATSB, Cx. quinquefasciatus significantly preferred the ASB solution ( t = 3.6, df = 25, P = 0.0008). There were no significant differences in the preference of Cx. tarsalis to feed on the ASB or ATSB solutions as indicated in the choice assays ( t = 1.9, df = 25, P = 0.07). Assays indicated that applications of ATSB to the 3 common plants in the Coachella Valley resulted in high mortality in both Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. tarsalis. There were significant differences in the treatments compared to the control (F = 40.15, df1,2 = 4,72, P < 0.001) but no significant differences among the different plants and ATSB treatments (F = 1.06, df1,2 = 4,72, P = 0.38). Laboratory findings suggest that ATSB is effective for use against WNV vectors in California. Further evaluations are needed in the field to determine how the environment may impact ATSB applications to influence mosquito mortality and nontarget organisms in arid environments in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 00ZZZero® trap (0Z) is a small black plastic container with permethrin and pyriproxyfen, designed and marketed to both attract and kill gravid Aedes mosquitoes (unmodified trap ([UMT] or modified trap [MT]). The 0Z trap without the insecticide was modified with addition of a sticky paper, coated with an adhesive glue (MT) and evaluated for collection efficacy of released gravid mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.) in outdoor screened enclosures in St. Augustine, in northeastern Florida. The mean numbers (±SE) of mosquitoes caught by MTs were 130.67 ± 23.95 (40.22 ± 5.78 mosquito/trap), compared with 2.33 ± 0.88 (0.79 ± 0.29 mosquito/trap) mosquitoes caught by UMTs. The MTs collected significantly more mosquitoes, 44.16% (F = 4.495, P < 0.05) of the released mosquitoes, than those captured in UMTs (0.83%). The number of immature mosquitoes (larvae and pupae) hatched from eggs laid in the MTs and UMTs were 79.3 ± 23.1 and 19.3 ± 6.8, respectively. The mean numbers (±SE) of adults emerging in MTs and UMTs were 34.0 ± 22.3 and 14.0 ± 6.8, respectively. These results show the potential of the sticky paper modified 0Z traps to be used both to increase the efficacy of collection and as a sticky autocidal tool against gravid Ae. aegypti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent autodissemination studies have popularly favored pyriproxyfen, but methoprene is already established and widely used in control programs. This study demonstrated that methoprene could also autodisseminate through contaminated gravid females. Arenas of oviposition cups were arranged around methoprene-contaminated bait stations. Gravid female Aedes albopictus were released to allow oviposition. All cups were then removed and tested in an insect growth regulator bioassay. Liquid formulations did not result in adequate autodissemination among treatment groups. Granular formulations pulverized into a fine powder resulted in successful autodissemination. Emergence inhibition was recorded as high as 85% in individual assays. Pooled inhibition across the granular trials was 56.7%. Methoprene has benefits similar to pyriproxyfen use and has the added advantage of already being established and readily available in existing mosquito control programs throughout the USA. Methoprene is a good candidate for continued investigation of autodissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) tests all equipment before field use to determine if machines are suitable for the needs of the district. Three handheld ultra-low-volume (ULV) foggers-the American LongRay (ULV) Fogger Model 3600B with rechargeable lithium battery (DC model), American LongRay ULV Fogger Model 3600E with 110V or 220V AC power (AC model), and Boston Fog Battery Motorized Fogger (Boston Fogger)-were compared to determine which fogger would be most suitable for use by AMCD. Mortality of caged Aedes albopictus was analyzed after 24 h to determine the success of a single application. All 3 foggers resulted in 100% mortality after 24 h using the insecticide Aqualuer 20-20 (active ingredients permethrin 20.6% and piperonyl butoxide 20.6%) 1:5 dilution with reverse osmosis water. Based on operator safety, robustness, and operational performance, the American LongRay DC model was found to be the most suitable at administering Aqualuer 20-20 against caged adult Ae. albopictus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testing of the PSO BASDKA-AC1200 multifunction ultrafine particle atomization machine, a thermal fog machine, with Aqualuer 20-20® (permethrin 20.6%, piperonyl butoxide 20.6%) was conducted against Aedes albopictus. The machine was set at a 40 sec maximum burst interval dispersing 36 ml of chemical with an average droplet volume of 50%. Female adult Ae. albopictus were placed into cylindrical paper cages and adhered to poles at 5, 8, 10, 15, and 25 m from the center point of the machine. Control cages consisted of 1 cage placed at 5, 10, and 25 m. Control and treatment groups were left in the experiment area for 15 min. Initial knockdown after 15 min and 24 h mortality were documented. At 15 min post-treatment, Ae. albopictus displayed less than 50% knockdown. After 24 h, all treatment cages displayed greater than 90% mortality. Further bottle bioassays were conducted to determine the lowest chemical dose possible to achieve a lethal dose of 90%. A 1% dilution (10 ml Aqualuer 20-20 to 1,000 ml of polyether) of Aqualuer showed high mortality in the laboratory. However, after running 3 repetitions of a 1% dilution, there was no significant difference between the mortality of the mosquitoes at any of the distances 24 h post-treatment. This study indicates that the test machine would be an applicable and suitable machine for control of Ae. albopictus in enclosed spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field study's objectives were to compare the physical characteristics as well as efficacy with multiple insecticides for Bonide® Fog Rx Insect Fogger, Black Flag® Propane Insect Fogger, and Burgess® Outdoor Propane Insect Fogger. Evaluations were conducted with 7 machine chemical combinations, 3 depths of spray, and 3 species of laboratory-reared mosquitoes, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Aedes aegypti. Combinations of these factors were analyzed in conjunction with environmental parameters. Data showed statistical significance between all machines. The Bonide machine maintained integrity and durability for the longest period of time compared with the other 2 machines. When evaluating the 3 machines with DUET™, mortality was highest with the Bonide and lowest with the Burgess machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes in Habahe County of Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region in China are considered a serious nuisance problem to local residents, but little is known of their role in enzootic disease. Therefore, host-seeking behavior and virus detection in mosquitoes were investigated in this study. Adult host-seeking mosquitoes were sampled using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps operated at three locations in June through August 2008. Nine traps were used at each location at 3 different heights (1 m, 3 m, and 5 m). Seven mosquito species from 4 genera were collected by CDC light traps in different habitats. In total, 90,055 mosquitoes were captured, of which Aedes vexans was the most abundant species, comprising 88.02% of all mosquitoes collected. The second most abundant species was Anopheles messese, which comprised about 5.86%. Other species caught were Culex modestus (2.89%), Aedes caspius (1.11%), Coquillettidia richiardii (0.61%), Ae. dorsalis (1.36%), and An. hyrcanus (0.14%). About 93.5% of Ae. vexans individuals were caught in CO2-baited CDC light traps at 1 m above the ground. The highest numbers of Cx. modestus were caught at the highest trap level, 5 m above ground. Overall, significantly more mosquitoes of all species were collected at dusk than at dawn. Based on blood-meal analyses, Ae. vexans and An. messese fed on various vertebrate hosts, whereas Cx. modestus fed on ducks only. From a total of 335 mosquito pools tested, 10 pools of Ae. vexans were found positive for alphavirus. Comparison with the gene database revealed that the alphavirus deoxyribonucleic acid fragment obtained (GenBank accession no. HM160530) was 100% homologous at the nucleotide level to chikungunya virus isolate LK (PB) chik3408, chikungunya virus isolate SGEHICHD122508, and chikungunya virus strain FD080231. The results of this study suggest that ongoing, integrated mosquito and arbovirus surveillance is necessary in this river wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the sugar-feeding behavior of Anopheles quadrimaculatus by measuring the impact of different aquatic plants on its survival. At the same time, the potential use of boric acid in toxic sugar bait (TSB) applications to the leaves of these plants was also evaluated. Mean survival rates of mosquitoes after 120 h feeding on 3 common aquatic plant species—Thalia geniculata, Pontederia cordata, and Limnobium spongia—were 10.55%, 1.86%, and 6.21%, respectively. No significant difference in mortality between mosquitoes feeding on separate plant species was detected (P = 0.05). The TSB efficacy was evaluated by leaf dip bioassay to compare 24-h mortality of mosquitoes feeding on leaves treated with TSB formulation (1% boric acid, 10% sucrose) and leaves dipped in 10% sucrose. Mortality was significantly higher for TSB-treated leaves for T. geniculata (t = 12.5, df = 8, P < 0.0001) and P. cordata (t = 5.42, df = 8, P = 0.0006) than for L. spongia (t = 1.4003, df = 8, P = 0.199). One-way ANOVA analysis showed no significant difference in efficacy between TSB-treated leaves of the 3 plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness and penetration of a novel, truck-mounted mist sprayer (3WC-30-4P provided by American LongRay) was evaluated with bifenthrin in a large, park-like setting with historic floodwater and woodland mosquito populations. Efficacy evaluations were determined through adult population collections and excised leaf bioassays. Trapping results showed a mean reduction of 77% in mosquito populations in the treated area for 5 sampling events up to 4 wk posttreatment. Leaf bioassays revealed an average mortality of 80% at 2.7 m and 51% at 5.5 m against laboratory-reared Aedes aegypti for 5 posttreatment samples. Leaves collected from the treated areas caused higher mortality at distances closer to the sprayer, though the distance and coverage of bifenthrin application was effective up to 5 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of truck-mounted ultra-low volume applications of pyriproxyfen against Aedes aegypti larvae in artificial water containers and wild adult Ae. albopictus populations in an urban setting. The study was conducted over a 3.5-month period (June-October 2012), during which 3 pyriproxyfen applications were conducted. Beginning 6 wk prior to the 1st pyriproxyfen spray, 10 Biogents-Sentinel® traps were used each week to survey the adult Ae. albopictus population at each experimental plot through the end of the study. The treatment and control plots contained specimen cups, each containing 10 laboratory-reared Ae. aegypti larvae, placed at 8, 15, and 23 m from the spray line. Emergence inhibition (EI) of 82% or greater was observed among Ae. aegypti larvae exposed to the 3 pyriproxyfen sprays. The EI of these same Ae. aegypti larvae at the 3 distances from the spray ranged from 84% to 92% and were not significantly different. Laboratory analysis of water samples taken from the larval cups independently confirmed the presence of pyriproxyfen. Similar levels of EI were achieved in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae when the measured field concentrations of pyriproxyfen were recreated in laboratory assays. Trap captures of wild adult Ae. albopictus were not markedly reduced following the 1st pyriproxyfen spray, perhaps due to heavy rainfall at the time and the lower rate of pyriproxyfen applied. Within 2 wk following Spray 2, however, Ae. albopictus collections from the treatment plot averaged approximately 50% of those from the control plot, and the reduction trend continued following Spray 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attractive toxic sugar bait (ATSB) was applied to 5 different types of commonly found plants in landscaping of northeastern Florida. The ATSB applications were assessed for possible plant effects and preference against Aedes albopictus in semifield evaluations. Positive and negative controls consisted of plants sprayed with attractive sugar bait (no toxicant) and plants with nothing applied. Bioassays were conducted on stems with leaf clippings and on full plants to assess any difference in mosquito mortality on the different plants. Plants utilized in these evaluations were Indian hawthorne, Yaupon holly, Japanese privet, Loropetalum ruby, and podocarpus. In both assays, no significant difference was observed in the effect of ATSBs on adult female mosquitoes based on the type of plant. ATSB could be applied to common landscape plants for adult Ae. albopictus control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resting behavior of Aedes albopictus was evaluated by aspirating diurnal resting mosquitoes from common landscape vegetation in residential communities in St. Augustine, FL. Energy reserves of the resting mosquitoes were analyzed to determine if there was a correlation between mosquito resting habitat and energy accumulation. Six species of plants were selected and 9 collections of resting mosquitoes were aspirated from each plant using a modified John W. Hock backpack aspirator during June and July 2012. Eight mosquito species were collected, with Ae. albopictus representing 74% of the overall collection. The number of Ae. albopictus collected varied significantly with the species of vegetation. When comparing the vegetation and abundance of resting mosquitoes, the highest percentages of Ae. albopictus were collected resting on Ruellia brittoniana (Mexican petunia), Asplenium platyneuron (fern), Gibasis geniculate (Tahitian bridal veil), followed by Plumba goauriculata (plumbago), Setcreasea pallida (purple heart), and Hibiscus tiliaceus (hibiscus). There were significant differences in lipid and glycogen accumulation based on type of vegetation Ae. albopictus was found resting in. Resting mosquitoes' sugar reserves were not influenced by species of vegetation. However, there was an overall correlation between vegetation that serves as a resting habitat and energy reserve accumulation. The results of our study demonstrate the potential to target specific vegetation for control of diurnal resting mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of toxic bait to kill adult Aedes albopictus is a safe and potentially effective alternative to the use of synthetic chemical insecticides. This study was carried out to determine effective concentrations of boric acid needed in sugar bait solutions applied to plant surfaces, and to determine its residual effect in reducing adult mosquito densities. In outdoor tests in 1,100-m3 screened enclosures, landing rates of Ae. albopictus on a human subject and the number of female mosquitoes in mechanical traps were significantly reduced by a 1% boric acid bait compared with the other tested concentrations (0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%) and untreated control. Studies of the duration of boric acid activity on plant surfaces were made in 1.4-m3 cages in the laboratory and outdoors in 78-m3 screened enclosures. In the laboratory tests, 1% boric acid bait resulted in >96% mortality in male and female Ae. albopictus for 14 days, whereas in outdoor tests, mosquito landing rates in the treated enclosures were significantly lower than in the control enclosures for 7 days. Also, mosquito mortality responses to boric acid baits between plants with flowers and nonflowers (1.4-m3 cages in the laboratory) were not significantly different. The results of this study suggest that boric acid baits applied to plant surfaces may provide specific data related to the development of an effective point-source-based adjunct/alternative to the use of conventional adulticides for mosquito control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aedes albopictus is an invasive species that poses a health threat in many residential neighborhoods throughout Florida. Aedes albopictus is a high priority for mosquito control efforts in the state. The efficacy of DeltaGard® (AI 2% deltamethrin) application against Ae. albopictus was evaluated in a residential area in St. Augustine, FL. DeltaGard was applied using a truck-mounted ultra-low-volume aerosol generator along 3 streets in a residential neighborhood. Caged mosquito mortality and droplet density data were recorded. Leaf clippings from houses on treated streets were bioassayed against laboratory-reared Ae. albopictus. Overall, the DeltaGard application was found to be more effective in the front yard of the houses, resulting in 78.3% mortality in caged mosquitoes, 42 % mortality in leaf bioassays, and 50.5 nl/cc in spray density. Based on the amount of vegetation and residential barriers around the houses, the application caused only 46.3% mortality in caged mosquitoes, 7.5% mortality in leaf bioassays, and 5.4 nl/cc in spray density in the back yard sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three commercially available backpack sprayers were evaluated with Aqualuer® 20-20 (20.6% permethrin, active ingredient; 20.6% piperonyl butoxide, technical) against caged adult Aedes aegypti in semifield trials in northeastern Florida. Two battery-powered sprayers, Birchmeier and Hudson, were compared with the standard hand-pump SOLO 425 sprayer, which is currently used in pest management operations. Physical characteristics, droplet analysis, and overall ease of use were documented. Multiple dilutions of the insecticide were also evaluated. The results indicated that the Birchmeier sprayer was the preferable machine in terms of its physical characteristics and operator use. There was no significant difference in percent mortality of the test mosquitoes between the sprayers. Multiple dilutions ranging from 1:9 to 1:1050 of the insecticide resulted in greater than 80% mean mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel Mos-Hole trap™ with liquid attractant naphtha™ from Korea was compared with BG Sentinel™ trap and Mosquito Magnet X™ trap for field collection of adult mosquitoes in St. Johns County, northeastern Florida, from May to October 2013. The novel Mos-Hole trap baited with naphtha (liquid attractant) collected similar numbers of mosquitoes, compared with the number of mosquitoes caught by BG Sentinel traps baited with BG Lure™. Both Mos-Hole and BG Sentinel traps collected a significantly greater number of mosquitoes compared with the numbers collected by Mosquito Magnet X traps. In other field evaluations when switching lures, the Mos-Hole traps baited with BG Lure caught more mosquitoes than the BG Sentinel trap baited with liquid naphtha attractant. The results showed that the novel Mos-Hole trap has the potential to be used as an additional effective sampling tool for population surveillance and control of adult mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A decrease in host-seeking activity in female Aedes albopictus was observed after exposure to a human hand tested in an olfactometer in the laboratory. The increased treatment times resulted in a decreasing response to a human hand. Fatigued/exhausted female mosquitoes after multiple host-seeking activities did prolong the blood engorgement time, compared with untreated nonfatigued mosquitoes. Also, fatigued mosquitoes showed a significant reduction in human host-attacking rates. The mean duration of protection from mosquito bites of human hand treated with 25% deet ( N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) was higher in fatigued than unfatigued mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DUET™ ultra-low volume (ULV) (1% parllethrin, 5% sumithrin) and Aqualuer® ULV (20.6% permethrin), applied neat, diluted with mineral oil, and diluted with diesel oil by a truck-mounted thermal fogger (LongRay TS-95 model) was evaluated in the field against caged Aedes albopictus adults. The application of Aqualuer ULV was significantly more effective than DUET ULV (t = 12.1, df = 5, P < 0.001) without dilution. There were no significant differences between the applications of DUET ULV or Aqualuer ULV diluted 1:3 with mineral oil (t = 0.662, df = 5, P = 0.518) or with 1:3 of diesel oil (t = 1.19, df = 5, P = 0.251). The solvents (mineral oil and diesel oil) to dilute DUET and Aqualuer and sprayed by the truckmounted thermal fogger did not result in significant differences in the mortalities of caged Ae. albopictus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial formulations of 3 repellents: OFF® Active (active ingredient [AI] 15% N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide [deet]), OFF® Family Care (AI 5% picaridin), and CVS Pharmacy Fresh Insect Repellent® (AI 10% citronella, 2% lauryl sulfate, and 0.2% potassium sorbate) were evaluated to determine the mean protection time provided against the large floodwater mosquitoes, Psorophora ciliata and Ps. howardii. Each of these products contained different active ingredients and displayed different protection times, but repellency was in accordance with each product's label reapplication times/repellency durations. The CVS Pharmacy Fresh Insect Repellent provided the least protection (2 h and 26 min), followed by OFF Family Care (3 h and 46 min). OFF Active afforded the longest protection (5 h and 41 min), which was significantly higher than the other treatments ( P < 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of the upstream point treatment by AQUABAC® Biolarvicide (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, Biological Larvicide Aqueous Suspension) against Culex quinquefasciatus Say in slow-flowing water ditches has been evaluated in St. Augustine Beach, St. Johns County, FL. The upstream point treatment by AQUABAC (liquid) at 0.5 liter/acre provided significant levels of larval control of Cx. quinquefasciatus for all sections of the downstream for 9 days. The upstream point treatment method by larvicides may have potential for use, minimize environmental impacts, and reduce cost and labor in mosquito-control operation for slow-flowing water ditches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black saltmarsh mosquito, Aedes taeniorhynchus, is a prominent nuisance mosquito within St. Johns County, Florida. Due to their characteristically large outbreaks, and the elevated amount of insecticide application correlated with the outbreaks, local populations of Ae. taeniorhynchus are at an increased risk of developing insecticide resistance. This study was established to form a baseline susceptibility of Ae. taeniorhynchus against two technical grade materials, permethrin, and chlorpyrifos. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bottle bioassays were conducted with technical-grade materials during two outbreaks in the fall of 2023. Results indicated a baseline susceptibility against the materials tested, but most notably, the phenotypic expression of knockdown resistance (kdr) was observed. Results highlight the need for continued monitoring and investigation into the resistance status and resistance level of this common Florida species., (Copyright © 2024 by The American Mosquito Control Association, Inc.)

Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) pose a significant public health concern globally, and India, with its unique eco-sociodemographic characteristics, is particularly vulnerable to these diseases. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth overview of MBDs in India, emphasizing their impact and potential implications for global health. The article explores distribution, epidemiology, control or elimination, and economic burden of the prevalent diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and lymphatic filariasis, which collectively contribute to millions of cases annually. It sheds light on their profound effects on morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burdens and the potential for international transmission through travel and trade. The challenges and perspectives associated with controlling mosquito populations are highlighted, underscoring the importance of effective public health communication for prevention and early detection. The potential for these diseases to spread beyond national borders is recognized, necessitating a holistic approach to address the challenge. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, covering the past five decades (1972-2022), utilizing databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, in addition to in-person library consultations. The literature review analyzed 4,082 articles initially identified through various databases. After screening and eligibility assessment, 252 articles were included for analysis. The review focused on malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and lymphatic filariasis. The included studies focused on MBDs occurrence in India, while those conducted outside India, lacking statistical analysis, or published before 1970 were excluded. This review provides valuable insights into the status of MBDs in India and underscores the need for concerted efforts to combat these diseases on both national and global scales through consilience., (Copyright © 2023 by The American Mosquito Control Association, Inc.)

The establishment of action thresholds is becoming critical in mosquito control management to implement effective proactive control measures using limited available resources. As a part of a large-scale study to identify different mosquito control action thresholds used in different geographical regions, we conducted an initial survey to identify mosquito control programs that claim to have set action thresholds and to investigate their associated program characteristics. We identified 68% (USA), 60% (mainland Australia), 78% (Asia), 35% (Africa), and 50% (US military units) of the responding programs, which perform mosquito control, have set mosquito control action thresholds. More than 50% of the programs that have not set mosquito control action thresholds already collect basic surveillance information as do the programs with thresholds. Further investigations with the selected mosquito control programs from this initial survey will help develop guidelines on establishing action thresholds by identifying different types of actual action thresholds used by programs in different geographical settings and other related information., (Copyright © 2022 by The American Mosquito Control Association, Inc.)

The use of synthetic insecticides has been the main approach in mosquito control programs (MCPs) to prevent or reduce mosquito populations. The global problem of insecticide resistance and the concern of environmental impacts of synthetic insecticides have resulted in the interest of botanicals as an alternative. In this study, the botanical product BigShot Maxim, which contains cedarwood oil (14%), thyme oil (0.53%), and cinnamon oil (0.23%) as active ingredients, was examined in adulticide and larvicide bioassays against Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles quadrimaculatus. In the adulticide bioassay, 100% mortality was reached at a dilution of 1:10 after 4 h of exposure for all 3 species. In the larvicide bioassay, at the highest tested concentration (30 ppm by volume) the greatest mortality was 96.44 ± 1.44% SE for Ae. aegypti, 92.44 ± 2.07% SE for Cx. quinquefasciatus, and 33.33 ± 3.61% for An. quadrimaculatus, respectively. Insecticidal properties presented in all the experiments indicate that BigShot Maxim could be a viable alternative to some synthetic insecticides used in MCPs., (Copyright © 2022 by The American Mosquito Control Association, Inc.)

The 00ZZZero ® trap (0Z) is a small black plastic container with permethrin and pyriproxyfen, designed and marketed to both attract and kill gravid Aedes mosquitoes (unmodified trap ([UMT] or modified trap [MT]). The 0Z trap without the insecticide was modified with addition of a sticky paper, coated with an adhesive glue (MT) and evaluated for collection efficacy of released gravid mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.) in outdoor screened enclosures in St. Augustine, in northeastern Florida. The mean numbers (±SE) of mosquitoes caught by MTs were 130.67 ± 23.95 (40.22 ± 5.78 mosquito/trap), compared with 2.33 ± 0.88 (0.79 ± 0.29 mosquito/trap) mosquitoes caught by UMTs. The MTs collected significantly more mosquitoes, 44.16% ( F = 4.495, P < 0.05) of the released mosquitoes, than those captured in UMTs (0.83%). The number of immature mosquitoes (larvae and pupae) hatched from eggs laid in the MTs and UMTs were 79.3 ± 23.1 and 19.3 ± 6.8, respectively. The mean numbers (±SE) of adults emerging in MTs and UMTs were 34.0 ± 22.3 and 14.0 ± 6.8, respectively. These results show the potential of the sticky paper modified 0Z traps to be used both to increase the efficacy of collection and as a sticky autocidal tool against gravid Ae. aegypti .

The effect of travel speed of a truck-mounted ultra-low-volume (ULV) sprayer on its application efficacy was studied at St. Johns County Fairground, Elkton, FL, during summer 2015. The efficacy was assessed by spray deposition, droplet size spectrum, and 24-h mortality of caged adult Aedes aegypti , using 2 rows of sampling locations, 15 m apart and spread up to 122 m from the spray. Each location had a bioassay cage and an impinger droplet sampler, 1 m apart from each other, at 1.5 m off the ground. Aqualuer ® 20-20 (20.6% permethrin AI and 20% piperonyl butoxide) was applied at the maximum label rate, travelling at 8, 16, and 32 km/h. Three replications were completed on 3 days at least a week apart, with 1 replication of each travel speed per day. On each application day the travel speeds were rotated. Overall, a travel speed of 32 km/h achieved the highest efficacy of Aqualuer ® 20-20, followed by 16 km/h, and then 8 km/h, in an open field. In general, droplet size, deposition, and mosquito mortality increased with increasing travel speed. The increased travel speed will also enhance the work rate of a sprayer and operator, thus reducing the cost of ULV applications.

The Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) tests all equipment before field use to determine if machines are suitable for the needs of the district. Three handheld ultra-low-volume (ULV) foggers--the American LongRay (ULV) Fogger Model 3600B with rechargeable lithium battery (DC model), American LongRay ULV Fogger Model 3600E with 110V or 220V AC power (AC model), and Boston Fog Battery Motorized Fogger (Boston Fogger)--were compared to determine which fogger would be most suitable for use by AMCD. Mortality of caged Aedes albopictus was analyzed after 24 h to determine the success of a single application. All 3 foggers resulted in 100% mortality after 24 h using the insecticide Aqualuer 20-20 (active ingredients permethrin 20.6% and piperonyl butoxide 20.6%) 1:5 dilution with reverse osmosis water. Based on operator safety, robustness, and operational performance, the American LongRay DC model was found to be the most suitable at administering Aqualuer 20-20 against caged adult Ae. albopictus.

Three commercially available backpack sprayers were evaluated with Aqualuer® 20-20 (20.6% permethrin, active ingredient; 20.6% piperonyl butoxide, technical) against caged adult Aedes aegypti in semifield trials in northeastern Florida. Two battery-powered sprayers, Birchmeier and Hudson, were compared with the standard hand-pump SOLO 425 sprayer, which is currently used in pest management operations. Physical characteristics, droplet analysis, and overall ease of use were documented. Multiple dilutions of the insecticide were also evaluated. The results indicated that the Birchmeier sprayer was the preferable machine in terms of its physical characteristics and operator use. There was no significant difference in percent mortality of the test mosquitoes between the sprayers. Multiple dilutions ranging from 1:9 to 1:1050 of the insecticide resulted in greater than 80% mean mortality.

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of truck-mounted ultra-low volume applications of pyriproxyfen against Aedes aegypti larvae in artificial water containers and wild adult Ae. albopictus populations in an urban setting. The study was conducted over a 3.5-month period (June-October 2012), during which 3 pyriproxyfen applications were conducted. Beginning 6 wk prior to the 1st pyriproxyfen spray, 10 Biogents-Sentinel® traps were used each week to survey the adult Ae. albopictus population at each experimental plot through the end of the study. The treatment and control plots contained specimen cups, each containing 10 laboratory-reared Ae. aegypti larvae, placed at 8, 15, and 23 m from the spray line. Emergence inhibition (EI) of 82% or greater was observed among Ae. aegypti larvae exposed to the 3 pyriproxyfen sprays. The EI of these same Ae. aegypti larvae at the 3 distances from the spray ranged from 84% to 92% and were not significantly different. Laboratory analysis of water samples taken from the larval cups independently confirmed the presence of pyriproxyfen. Similar levels of EI were achieved in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus larvae when the measured field concentrations of pyriproxyfen were recreated in laboratory assays. Trap captures of wild adult Ae. albopictus were not markedly reduced following the 1st pyriproxyfen spray, perhaps due to heavy rainfall at the time and the lower rate of pyriproxyfen applied. Within 2 wk following Spray 2, however, Ae. albopictus collections from the treatment plot averaged approximately 50% of those from the control plot, and the reduction trend continued following Spray 3.

The efficacy of a new water-based formulation containing 30% permethrin and 30% piperonyl butoxide against laboratory and field populations of Aedes albopictus was evaluated in the laboratory, in semifield experiments, and in residential communities in St. Augustine, FL. In laboratory bottle bioassay, 3 doses (3.18 g/ml, 2.26 g/ml, and 1.59 g/ml) of the permethrin product resulted in 100% mortality of adult mosquitoes in 1 h. In semifield experiments, the insecticide sprayed by the water-based thermal fogger at 381.5 ml/min application rate caused 99% mortality of caged mosquitoes. At 24 h posttreatment in the residential communities, there was 79% and 83% reduction of the natural population (numbers) of adult Ae. albopictus and all adult mosquito species collected in BioGent (BG) sentinel traps baited with a BG lure in the 3 test sites, respectively. There was also a 79% reduction in the number of Ae. albopictus eggs collected in ovitrap used in the treated sites. The reductions were significant for adult Ae. albopictus and all mosquito species at 1 wk posttreatment, but no significant reduction was observed at 2-3 wk posttreatment. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the new water-based permethrin product against Ae. albopictus populations in residential communities.

A Pioneer Eco-Backpack electric cold ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayer and a gas-powered Twister XL 3950 series 2 motorized knapsack ULV sprayer with Aqualuer (20.6% permethrin AI) were evaluated against caged adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus in St. Augustine, FL. The Pioneer Eco-Backpack sprayer provided 100% knockdown of both species of mosquitoes at 15 min; the Twister XL backpack sprayer resulted in 17-23% knockdown at 15 min. Both backpack sprayers with Aqualuer resulted in 100% mortality of both species at 24 h. The new Pioneer Eco-Backpack sprayer powered by electricity could be a potential tool for mosquito control.

In order to better understand the role a barrier application plays in an integrated mosquito management program, we applied a bifenthrin barrier application to a large golf course community and evaluated the mosquito population, service requests, and money spent for control from our barrier site as well as a site that was only treated via ground ultra-low-volume (ULV) application or that was left as a control site. Both the barrier application (t = 2.63, df = 126, P = 0.0147) and the ground ULV application (t = 2.49, df = 126, P = 0.0054) significantly reduced mosquito populations compared to the control, but means within treatments did not differ from each other. Mosquito populations in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traps were reduced by 84% by barrier application and by 52% by ground ULV application at 6 wk posttreatment compared with untreated control. The 2 major species collected during the evaluation period were Anopheles crucians (81%) and Aedes atlanticus (13%). Anopheles crucians was significantly reduced compared with controls for the barrier application (t = 1.55, df = 126, P = 0.003) and ground ULV application (t = 1.85, df = 126, P = 0.052). Aedes atlanticus was significantly reduced by the barrier application (t = 1.54, df = 128, P = 0.002) but not by ground ULV application (P = 0.083). Overall the barrier application resulted in a significant decrease (chi2 = 35.4, df = 1, P < 0.0001) in the number of service requests and ground ULV application (chi2 = 5.3, df = 1, P = 0.02) compared to the site that was only treated with ground ULV application. The barrier application saved an estimated $2,700. Thus, large-scale barrier applications are an appropriate tool for control of floodwater mosquito populations.

The insecticidal activity of 4 mosquito coils containing pyrethroid ester insecticides and 1 mosquito coil containing 15% citronella oil was evaluated against adult female Anopheles albimanus, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus. Two of the pyrethroid mosquito coils containing 0.08% meperfluthrin showed the strongest insecticidal activity, and all 4 pyrethroid coils produced significantly higher mortality than the citronella coil across all 3 test species.

Ten commercial household permethrin products in aerosol formulations were evaluated for knockdown (KD) and mortality of female Culex quinquefasciatus. The permethrin concentrations of these products ranged from 0.05% to 0.50%. Eight of the 10 products produced significant KD (%) and mortality (%) posttreatment. At 15 min posttreatment, 3 household permethrin products provided 100% mortality. At 60 min posttreatment, 8 products provided 100% mortality. At 120 min, only 2 products resulted in less than 100% mortality with permethrin concentrations of 0.05% and 0.10%. A linear regression analysis shows a significant relationship between the mortality and times posttreatment.

Two permethrin formulations, AquaReslin and AquaKontrol, were applied by ultra-low volume truck-mounted sprayers on test plots under appropriate meteorological condition at Jacksonville, FL. The method of application was followed from the product label. The application rate for each formulation was 0.79 g permethrin per acre. AquaReslin and AquaKontrol demonstrated similar results against Anopheles quadrimaculatus; the former was superior to the latter used against Aedes aegypti, and Ae. albopictus. Teflon-coated standard glass slides were used to collect the aerosol components. Volume median-diameter droplets per square centimeter varied with pesticides and distance from spray source, and the mortality of the 3 species at 18 h ranged from 61.3% to 91.7%.

The efficacy of a new smoke-generating formulation (fumigant), containing the active ingredient permethrin (69 g/kg) and deltamethrin (3.9 g/kg) per cartridge, was evaluated against adult female Anopheles albimanus, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus in a large vehicle storage building (22 x 13 x 4.5 m3), Florida, U.S.A., and against Cx. pipiens complex and Ae. albopictus in a furnished apartment (12 x 7 x 3.5 m3) in Israel. In the storage building, the use of 2 fumigant cartridges resulted in 100% mortality for all 3 species in 15 min. Using 1 cartridge resulted in 100% mortality in An. albimanus, 98% in Ae. aegypti, and 97% in Cx. quinquefasciatus in 15 min; and 100% mortality for both Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus at 30 min. In the apartment in Israel, both Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens showed 100% mortality when exposed to the fumigant cartridge for 15 min. Based on these preliminary data, the test formulation (fumigant) could be a valuable tool for controlling mosquitoes.

The effectiveness of the attractants 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and L-lactic acid (Lurex) on the collection of Aedes albopictus, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. pipiens pallens, and Anopheles sinensis was first evaluated in Mosquito Magnet Pro traps in Yamenkou and Badachu residential areas, Beijing City, and Lishui area, Zhejiang Province, China. The Mosquito Magnet Pro traps baited with octenol collected significantly more Ae. albopictus, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and An. sinensis, but fewer Cx. pipiens pallens than collection by the traps alone. There were no significant differences in the numbers of Cx. pipiens pallens, Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, and An. sinensis collected by Mosquito Magnet Pro traps baited with Lurex compared to the traps alone, but the Mosquito Magnet Pro traps baited with Lurex collected significantly more Ae. albopictus than the number collected by the traps alone at 2 areas in Beijing.