Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Gainesville, Florida » Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology » Mosquito and Fly Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #286818

Title: Behavioral responses of two dengue virus vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), to DUET TM and its components

Author
item Clark, Gary
item Golden, Frances
item Allan, Sandra - Sandy
item COOPERBAND, MIRIAM - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
item MCNELLY, JAMES - Clarke Mosquito Control

Submitted to: Journal of Medical Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/11/2013
Publication Date: 9/13/2013
Citation: Clark, G.G., Golden, F.V., Allan, S.A., Cooperband, M.F., Mcnelly, J.R. 2013. Behavioral responses of two dengue virus vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), to DUET TM and its components. Journal of Medical Entomology. 50(5):1059-1070.

Interpretive Summary: The two mosquito species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, studied are important for their roles as vectors of dengue viruses and as nuisance biters in and around residential areas. Effective control of adult mosquitoes by pesticide sprays is optimized when mosquitoes are in flight thus enhancing contact with pesticide droplets. However, during sprays many mosquitoes, particularly those that just blood fed, may be resting and protected from the pesticide droplets. Some pesticides are known to excite mosquitoes resulting in more flight. In this study, scientists from CMAVE, Gainesville, Florida examined different pesticides (known as excitants) and a commercial dual-pesticide formulation to compare their efficacy in causing movement and flight of mosquitoes. In general, both unfed and bloodfed mosquitoes responded similarly to pesticide treatments. Female Ae. aegypti were more sensitive to the insecticides and more active after pesticide exposure than female Ae. albopictus. This information can contribute to optimization of control of these species using flight-inducing pesticide ingredients.

Technical Abstract: Ultralow volume (ULV) droplets of DUET TM, prallethrin and sumithrin at a sublethal dose were applied to unfed (non bloodfed) and bloodfed female Aedes aegypti Linn. and Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in a wind tunnel. Control spray droplets only contained inactive ingredients. Individual mosquitoes were videotaped before, during and after spraying and various behaviors analyzed. During the spray periods of all three pesticide treatments, a greater percentage of time was spent in movement and the distance moved was greater than the controls. In the post-spray period, enhanced percent of time moving was observed for all pesticide treatments compared to the controls. After treatment, all females spent more time walking compared to controls with unfed Ae. aegypti females walking more after exposure to DUET and sumithrin. Flying was similarly affected with pesticide exposure increasing the time flying. Sumithrin exposure increased activity and velocity of unfed mosquitoes more than bloodfed mosquitoes. DUET and sumithrin treatments enhanced activity of Ae. aegypti females more than Ae. albopictus females.