ARS | Publication request: Reduction of mosquito biting pressure by timed-release 0.3% aerosolized geraniol

Submitted to: ACTA TROPICA
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: June 23, 2012
Publication Date: October 1, 2012
Citation: Revay, E.E., Junnila, A., Kline, D.L., Xue, R., Bernier, U.R., Kravchenko, V.D., Yefremova, Z.A., Mulller, G.C. 2012. Reduction of mosquito biting pressure by timed-release 0.3% aerosolized geraniol. ACTA TROPICA. 124:102-105.

Interpretive Summary: Scientists from the Mosquito and Fly Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL, collaborated with scientists from Technion, Department of Zoology at Tel Aviv University, the Kuvin Center for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel and Anastasia Mosquito Control District (St. Augustine, FL) to study a new product to control mosquitoes. The mister product released a natural compound (called geraniol) into the environment. Measurements were made to determine how well this repellent-releasing device prevent mosquito biting at specific distances from the product. It was found that the product does provide some protection from mosquitoes. The results of this study benefit people at risk of mosquito attack throughout the world, and may be of specific use to government agencies that rely on studies for guidance on whether a product is recommended or not.

Technical Abstract: We conducted a study to determine the degree of personal protection provided by the Terminix® ALLCLEAR® Mosquito Mister – Lantern Edition. This outdoor unit was operated to disperse an aerosolized aqueous 0.3% geraniol emulsion in timed-release intervals of 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 min. Human volunteers participated in landing catch experiments to test the effect of the geraniol sprayed at the pre-set time intervals, at two distances: (1) 18 ft (5.49 m), the maximum effective distance claimed by the manufacturer, and (2) 9 ft (2.74 m), half the effective distance from the unit. When aerosolized geraniol was dispensed, a reduction in landing, probing and biting mosquitoes (Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus) at all times and distances were evident compared to dispensation of the water spray control. The degree of protection correlated well with the distance from the subject and the time interval of releases. The 5 min time interval mode reduced overall biting pressure by more than 90% at 9ft (2.74 m) and 18 ft (5.49 m). Reduction of biting in the 7.5 min mode was still well over 80% and even in the 10 min mode, overall protection was slightly above 80% at a distance of 9 feet. The lowest but still reasonable protection level was observed in the 10 min mode, at the periphery of the area the unit claims to protect, with a biting pressure reduction of approximately two thirds.