Mosquito Adaptation to the Extreme Habitats of Urban Construction Sites

Abstract

The construction industry employs millions of workers in the USA. However, little is known about how environmental disturbances caused by the construction industry impacts vector mosquito ecology and behavior, and whether it is responsible for increasing the abundance of mosquitoes. There is a major scientific gap on how to assess the occupational exposure risk of mosquito biting and arbovirus transmission among outdoor worker populations who spend a disproportionate amount of time working outdoors. In our opinion, it is critical to address how construction workers and the surrounding communities may be geographically and seasonally exposed to vector mosquitoes. Research should identify modifiable worker-and organizational-level factors that improve worksite mosquitocontrol practices to give insights into future vector-control strategies in urban environments. Urbanization and the Construction IndustryIn the late 19th century humanity entered a new geological era known as the Anthropocene (see Glossary), defined by man's influence in modulating the environment on a level compared to that of the natural forces of planet Earth [1]. Human migration from rural areas to urban areas, and the construction of new dwellings, has been increasing since then and, as a consequence, urbanization processes have been intensified to accommodate new residents, urbanizing adjacent peri-urban areas, increasing urban verticalization, and population density [2][3][4].Construction sites are an integral part of the urbanization process. They often lead to a significant disturbance in the environment, modifying land usage, increasing human presence, and generating significant amounts of waste, significantly affecting local fauna and flora [5]. The construction industry in the USA alone spent approximately US$1.3 trillion in 2018, with more than 13 million new residential permits issued in the same period employing approximately 9.4 million workers on average i [6]. However, very little is known to what extent the environmental disturbances caused by the construction industry impact the biodiversity and abundance of mosquito vector species. Construction Sites Are Complex EnvironmentsConstruction sites, especially geographically large ones, are complex and dynamic. Several employers work on one site simultaneously, with a mix of contractors changing with the phases of the project [7,8]. Moreover, as the project develops, different building materials are brought to the worksite or, as the weather changes, the ambient conditions such as ventilation and temperature change too.In 2016, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued empirical mosquito control guidelines considering the threat Zika virus poses for construction HighlightsRecent studies have shown that the proliferation of vector mosquitoes is partially attributable to construction sites.

Proliferation of Aedes aegypti in urban environments mediated by the availability of key aquatic habitats

“…Human behavior and socioeconomic conditions should also be considered. Workers that spent a disproportionate amount of time outdoors, such as those in the construction and agriculture workforce, are often more exposed to vector mosquitoes and may be more exposed to arboviruses 63 – 66 . Therefore, it is essential to remove the most productive aquatic habitats from areas with high concentrations of outdoor workers, such as construction sites, outdoor sports events, and outdoor entertainment areas.…”

Cemeteries in Miami-Dade County, Florida are important areas to be targeted in mosquito management and control efforts

“…Furthermore, as in other occupations such as in the construction workforce, cemetery workers that are responsible for landscaping and general maintenance spent a disproportional amount of time outdoors and are, therefore, subjected to vector mosquito bites being at a higher risk of being exposed to arboviruses [57][58][59].…”

Urbanization creates diverse aquatic habitats for immature mosquitoes in urban areas

“…In addition, Miami has the appropriate conditions for mosquitoes year-round, as the tropical monsoon climate is highly conducive for mosquitoes even during the winter 18 . Miami is also undergoing intense increases in urbanization 19,20 that is impacting the population dynamics of vector mosquitoes and subsequently the risk of arbovirus transmission 21,22 .…”