ARS | Publication request: Cost-benefit analysis of an area-wide pest management program to control Asian tiger mosquito in New Jersey

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 15, 2012
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Area-wide pest management (AWPM) is recommended to control urban mosquitoes, such as Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), which limit outdoor activities. We conducted a cost-benefit analysis for an AWPM in Mercer and Monmouth counties, New Jersey, as part of a controlled design with matched areas (AWPM vs. control). The evaluation analyzed financial documents, assessed staff time, and surveyed 311 to 396 households annually to assess their “hours lost.” These were differences between actual and potential hours of yard and porch activities. The AWPM reduced hours lost by 1.88±4.19 (mean±SEM) hours/week in intervention areas compared to control areas for yard and porch activities, indicating potential program effectiveness (p=.32). This translated to 24.4 hours gained over the 13-week summer. The economic benefits were valued based on respondents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical extra hour free of mosquitoes that they could spend in yard or porch activities. Residents’ WTP averaged $2/hour (range: $1-$3), indicating a monetary valuation from fewer hours lost per resident of $49/year (range: $24-$73). The average per capita expenditure on AWPM was $30/year. These give a net benefit per resident of $19/year (range: -$6-$43) and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.63 (range: 0.81-2.44), indicating $1.63 of benefits per $1.00 in costs. The cost-benefit analysis suggests a positive net benefit of the AWPM from residents being able to enjoy more time on yards and porches.