Stormwater drains and catch basins as sources for production of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus

Abstract

We present data showing that structures serving as drains and catch basins for stormwater are important sources for production of the mosquito arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus in Mérida City, México. We examined 1,761 stormwater drains – located in 45 different neighborhoods spread across the city – over dry and wet seasons from March 2012–March 2013. Of the examined stormwater drains, 262 (14.9%) held water at the time they were examined and 123 yielded mosquito immatures. In total, we collected 64,560 immatures representing nine species. The most commonly encountered species were Cx. quinquefasciatus (n=39,269) and Ae. aegypti (n=23,313). Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus were collected during all 11 months when we found water-filled stormwater drains, and both were found in stormwater drains located throughout Mérida City. We also present data for associations between structural characteristics of stormwater drains or water-related characteristics and the abundance of mosquito immatures. In conclusion, stormwater drains produce massive numbers of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus across Mérida City, both in the wet and dry seasons, and represent non-residential development sites that should be strongly considered for inclusion in the local mosquito surveillance and control program.

Mosquito Records from Mexico: The Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Tamaulipas State

“…Previous studies have shown that immature mosquitoes of various species coexist with immatures of Ae. aegypti in disposable containers, buckets, tires, and storm-water drains in Mérida (Winch et al 1992;Zapata-Peniche et al 2007;Ortega-Morales et al 2011;Manrique-Saide et al 2012;Arana-Guardia et al 2014;Baak-Baak et al 2014b). Adult mosquitoes of various species often coexist with adults of Ae.…”

“…Between 1935 (Martini 1935(Arana-Guardia et al 2014Baak-Baak et al 2014b), we found 17 works related to the record and distribution of mosquito species in Yucatán State, representing 11 genera and 49 species. The addition of 3 more species brings the species count to 52.…”

“…Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are common in Yucatán State, and larvae and pupae are often found inside disposable containers, buckets, tires, flower pots, vases, and stormwater drains/catch basins where present (Winch et al 1992;García-Rejón et al 2011;Arana-Guardia et al 2014). Aedes aegypti occurs in a diverse range of habitats including residential premises, vacant lots, parking lots, and cemeteries (Baak-Baak et al 2014a,b).…”

Urban Mosquito Fauna in Mérida City, México: Immatures Collected from Containers and Storm-Water Drains/Catch Basins

“…Several studies reported on the immature or adult stage of the primary local vector mosquito, Aedes ( Stegomyia ) aegypti (L.), for dengue virus. The studies reported on containers and seasonal patterns of abundance for immatures (Lloyd et al 1992; Winch et al 1992; Manrique-Saide et al 2008, 2012, 2013; García-Rejón et al 2011a; Arana-Guardia et al 2014; Baak-Baak et al 2014) and examined different indoor environments for adults (García-Rejón et al 2008, 2011b). Additional studies have reported more broadly on the mosquito fauna of the Yucatán Peninsula (Najera-Vazquez et al 2004, Zapata-Peniche et al 2007, Ortega-Morales et al 2010, García-Rejón et al 2012).…”

“…aegypti immatures in containers and other water-holding structures in a range of urban environments (Arana-Guardia et al 2014, Baak-Baak et al 2014), we encountered numerous other mosquito species. Previous studies recorded 29 mosquito species from Mérida City: Ae.…”