Effectiveness of autodissemination stations containing pyriproxyfen in reducing immature Aedes albopictus populations

Abstract

Background Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is an aggressive, highly anthropophilic, day-biting mosquito with an expanding geographic range. Suppression of Ae. albopictus is difficult because of the abundance and prevalence of larval habitats within peridomestic environments, particularly cryptic habitats such as corrugated extension spouts, fence post openings, discarded food containers, etc. Because of the challenges of eliminating or treating larval habitats of this species, we tested an autodissemination concept to contaminate these habitats with the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen.MethodsOur study was conducted in the City of Trenton (Mercer County), New Jersey, USA (40°12′N, 74°44′W). We selected six hot spots, where five or more Ae. albopictus males or females were collected based on weekly trap surveillance. A trapping unit was a city block, approximately 0.8 ha (hot spot), where we deployed 26 to 28 autodissemination stations per treatment plot. To gauge efficacy, we deployed BGS traps, oviposition cups, and sentinel cups in treatment and control locations.ResultsWe found a significant reduction in eggs (P < 0.0001) and larval populations (P < 0.0001) as a result of treatment. Pupal mortality, as determined through bioassays, was also significantly higher in the treatment sites (P < 0.0001).ConclusionOur results clearly show the potential and unique use of the autodissemination stations to control immature Ae. albopictus in urban areas. Penetration of larvicides with existing methods are difficult to reach cryptic habitats, but the autodissemination approach, which exploits the oviposition behavior of the target pest, can be integrated into intervention programs. New tools are urgently needed to curb the expansion and public health implications of Ae. albopictus and other container-inhabiting species.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2034-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Heterodissemination: precision targeting container Aedes mosquitoes with a cohabiting midge species carrying insect growth regulator

“…Heterodissemination as shown in the present study with midges, and autodissemination as shown in previous studies with mosquitoes exploits the oviposition behavior of carrier species to locate larval habitats. Cryptic habitats are favored oviposition sites for many container‐inhabiting Aedes mosquitoes yet these larval habitats are frequently obstructed by foliage or other structures and, therefore, can be difficult for insecticidal spray droplets to reach effectively .…”

Using UPLC–MS/MS to Evaluate the Dissemination of Pyriproxyfen by Aedes Mosquitoes to Combat Cryptic Larval Habitats after Source Reduction in Kaohsiung in Southern Taiwan

“…First, previous studies measured outcomes solely by observing EI in immature mosquitoes but lacked direct evidence of the existence of PPF in breeding water. Only a few studies measured the attachment and retention of PPF on Aedes mosquitoes [18], and the PPF residual in the water from sentinel cups was measured using LC-MS/MS [19,20]. This study developed a UPLC-MS/MS analytical method for detecting and quantifying PPF in breeding water and further explored the dose-response effect on immature Ae.…”

Small-scale field assessment of efficacy of the autodissemination approach against Aedes sp. in an urban area

“…The trial procedure was slightly modified from previous protocols [19–21]. The study was conducted for duration of 9 months at Dataran Automobil, Seksyen 15, Shah Alam.…”