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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #341681
Research Project: Prevention of Arthropod Bites

Location: Invasive Insect Biocontrol & Behavior Laboratory

Title: Laboratory and semi-field evaluations of two (Transfluthrin) spatial repellent devices against Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae)

Author
item MCPHATTER, LEE - Walter Reed Army Medical Center
item MISCHLER, PAULA - Walter Reed Army Medical Center
item Webb, Meiling
item Chauhan, Kamlesh
item LINDROTH, ERICA - Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Submitted to: Army Medical Department Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/24/2017
Publication Date: 5/15/2017
Citation: Mcphatter, L., Mischler, P., Webb, M.Z., Chauhan, K.R., Lindroth, E. 2017. Laboratory and semi-field evaluations of two (Transfluthrin) spatial repellent devices against Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae). Army Medical Department Journal. Jan-Jun;(1-17):13-22.

Interpretive Summary: Evaluation of potential repellent compounds against mosquito vectors of diseases is time consuming and often involves animal or human subjects. We have developed a laboratory wind tunnel assay system that can screen candidate compounds without involving human subjects or animals. This assay system requires small amounts of the test compound. These results from wind tunnel also supports semi-field studies which show that human contact and disease transmission by mosquitoes are interrupted by public health insecticides and repellents. This information can be used by scientists in the private and public sectors that are interested in developing and testing potential biobased repellents.

Technical Abstract: Two transfluthrin-based spatial repellent products (Raid Dual Action Insect Repellent and Home Freshener and Raid Shield (currently not commercially available), SC Johnson, Racine WI) were evaluated for spatial repellent effects against female Aedes aegypti (L.) mosquitoes underlaboratory (wind tunnel) and semi-field (outdoor enclosure) conditions. The placement of either product in the wind tunnel significantly reduced host-seeking behaviors. The mean baseline (control) landing counts for the Raid Dual Action and Raid Shield were reduced by 95% and 74% respectively. Mean probing counts for the Raid Dual Action were reduced by 95%, while the probing counts for the Raid Shield were decreased by 69%. Baseline blood-feeding success wassignificantly reduced for both treatments: Raid Dual Action (100%) and Raid Shield (96%). Semi-field evaluations were con- ducted in outdoor enclosures at the Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, Florida. A moderate reduction in mosquito entry into military style tents resulted when either product was placed near the tent opening. The Raid Shield reduced mosquito entry into tents by 88%, while the Dual Action decreased entry by 66%.