Ochlerotatus dahlae, a new mosquito species from the mountain valleys of Utah, is compared to its closest related species, Ochlerotatus excrucians, and the characteristics that separate the two species are delineated.

A 3-year study was conducted to determine if testing mosquitoes collected in modified sentinel chicken boxes for West Nile virus (WNV) or testing sentinel chickens for WNV antibody would detect WNV activity before onset of human cases in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA. In each year mosquitoes tested positive for WNV before the onset of human cases were detected, but seroconversions of sentinel chickens were detected after the human cases occurred. In 1 year we also compared the effectiveness of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps, gravid traps, and sentinel chicken box traps for collecting WNV-positive mosquitoes. Gravid traps collected more WNV-positive mosquitoes than CDC light traps or sentinel chicken box traps. However, WNV was detected earlier in mosquitoes collected from sentinel chicken box traps than in mosquitoes collected with gravid traps or CDC light traps. In total, 1,222 pools containing 19,353 mosquito specimens representing 18 species were tested for WNV. West Nile virus was detected in 59 mosquito pools from 4 species; 87% of the positive pools were detected from Culex quinquefasciatus, which was the most abundant species collected in all 3 years.

In a periurban habitat located in Northern Virginia, this study used 13 replicates of a 4 × 4 Latin square to evaluate the efficacy of 2 novel mosquito traps, the Zumba™ mosquito trap and the BG-Sentinel™ trap, against 2 existing host-seeking mosquito traps [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) miniature light and CDC Fay-Prince]. All traps were baited with the BG-Lure® and CO₂. The Zumba trap, baited with the BG-Lure and CO₂ (Zumba trap combination) was the most productive and diverse trap, averaging 35.51 mosquitoes and 4.16 species per trapping period. It collected 19 times as many Culex pipiens/restuans, which will be referred to as Cx. pip/res, as the other traps and was the only trap to collect West Nile virus (WNV)-infected host-seeking Cx. pip/res in the study area. The BG-Sentinel trap, baited with the BG-Lure and CO₂ (BG-Sentinel trap combination) collected 7 times as many female Aedes albopictus as the CDC miniature light or Fay-Prince traps. The Zumba trap combination collected 4 times as many female Ae. albopictus as the CDC miniature light or Fay-Prince traps. The WNV infection rate of Cx. pip/res and Ae. albopictus collected by the Zumba trap combination was consistently greater than the infection rates for these species collected in the Fairfax County program's routine CDC miniature light traps and comparable to the infection rate found in the Cx. pip/res collected in the program's routine gravid traps. Both the Zumba and BG-Sentinel trap combinations collected WNV-infected Ae. albopictus in the study area.

Two evaluations of microbial mosquito larvicides were conducted in irrigation fields located along the Odra River near the city of Wroclaw, Poland. In the first evaluation, 3 dosages each of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)—VectoBac® water dispersible granule (WDG) and VectoBac aqueous suspension formulation (12AS)—and Bacillus sphaericus (Bs)—VectoLex® WDG—were tested against larvae of Culex pipiens pipiens. There was little difference between formulations and rates of application between day 2 and 7 following the treatment. VectoBac WDG at 300 g/ha resulted in 100% mortality of Cx. p. pipiens. Between 0.5 and 1 liter of VectoBac 12AS caused sufficient mortality for up to 7 days. The effective short-term application rate of VectoLex WDG was found to be 400 g/ha. The above doses can be recommended for up to 7-day control in this habitat. In the second evaluation, using VectoBac WDG at 800 g/ha, the residual efficacies of 2 ground application methods, a knapsack sprayer configured for large droplet application and a motorized backpack blower configured for small droplet application, were compared. The results indicated no significant difference between the 2 application methods, but a significant long-term effect of VectoBac WDG was observed at the rate of 800 g/ha.

Toxicity persistence of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) was evaluated in laboratory and field trials to develop a new protocol for Aedes albopictus monitoring. In the laboratory, the residual toxicity of 5 Bti formulations was compared using the percentage mortality at days 4, 8, 12, and 16 of Culex pipiens larvae exposed for 24 h to Bti treatments. The results showed a good performance of all tested formulations (>97% mortality at day 14, for all the formulations), but only Vectobac™ 12AS at the concentration of 1 ml/liter showed an efficacy of 100% for 2 wk.

A field study was designed to test the effect of Bti on the ovitrap check interval or influence of ovipositional response of gravid Ae. albopictus females. Three different ovitrap treatments were used: ovitraps with tap water checked weekly; ovitraps with tap water checked every 2 wk; ovitraps with Bti (Vectobac 12AS, dose of 1 ml/liter) checked every 2 wk. Our study demonstrated that in the ovitrap, the toxic action of a 1% solution of Bti was maintained for at least 14 days with mortality of 100% and that rainfall did not seem to negatively influence the residual action of Bti. Therefore the probability that the larvae may complete the developmental cycle in ovitraps with Bti seems to be very low. The oviposition activity index showed that Bti enhances the oviposition rate of Ae. albopictus by 17.4%.

A previously described modular high-throughput screening system was used to characterize the spatial repellent, contact irritant, and toxicant chemical actions of 14 compounds historically used or under investigation for vector control. The response of F₁–F₄ Aedes aegypti (Thailand strain) to various concentrations of 4 organochlorines (chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, methoxychlor); 4 pyrethroids (alphacypermethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin); 3 organophosphates (chlorpyrophos methyl, fenitrothion, malathion); 2 carbamates (bendiocarb, propoxur); and 1 pyrazole (chlorfenapyr) were evaluated. Results show chemicals exert different combinations of contact irritant, spatial repellent, and toxic actions. This is true even within the same chemical class. These actions can be ordered for each chemical based on the testing dose at which the specific response is elicited. Data also indicate that behavioral responses to spatial repellent and contact irritant actions are separate (or independent) from the toxic action of a compound. Results from pyrethroid and DDT assays also show chemicals can induce behavior-modifying actions, such as contact irritancy and spatial repellency, which will reduce man-vector contact, despite evidence of insecticide resistance within the test population. These findings support previous laboratory and field studies showing man-vector contact and disease transmission are routinely interrupted by spatial repellent and contact irritant actions of common public health insecticides. Studies similar to that presented here can be used as baseline evidence for expected vector responses and support best approaches for more detailed behavioral research.

The relative toxicities of 8 repellents (DMP, Rutgers 612, DEET, IR3535, Picardin, PMD, AI3-35765, and AI3-37220) were evaluated by topical application against females of Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and An. albimanus. Based on 24-h LD₅₀ values, the most toxic repellent against all 4 mosquito species was AI3-37220, with values of 0.25, 0.20, 0.16, and 0.11 µg/mg for the listed 4 mosquito species, respectively. The least toxic of the 8 repellents tested was DMP, with LD₅₀ values of 5.40, 4.72, 2.50, and 1.83 µg/mg, respectively. Based on the 24-h LD₅₀ values, An. albimanus was the most susceptible species. The findings of the study reported herein provide a comprehensive examination of the toxicities of 4 currently used, 2 formerly used, and 2 experimental repellents against 4 mosquito species.

Laboratory and field efficacy trials comparing deet (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) and SS220 [(1S, 2′S)-2-methylpiperindinyl-3-cyclohexen-1-carboxamide] against mosquitoes in Queensland, Australia, were conducted. In the laboratory, both compounds provided between 150 and 195 min of protection against Aedes aegypti and between 18 and 80 min of protection against Anopheles farauti. In laboratory tests against Culex annulirostris, 20% SS220 provided 3 h of protection and 20% deet provided >6 h of protection. A field efficacy test was conducted at Redcliffe, Queensland in January 2008 and the predominant mosquito species collected was Cx. annulirostris (84.4% of collection). In the field, 20% SS220 provided significantly better protection against mosquitoes than 20% deet. Seven hours after application, SS220 provided greater than 96.0% protection against all mosquitoes, whereas 20% deet provided 58.9% protection.

The daytime biting mosquito Aedes albopictus is a nuisance pest commonly found in suburban yards. The recommended course of treatment for Ae. albopictus is to keep yards free of water-holding containers; however, infestations may require additional control methods such as residual pesticide applications to vegetation. Five plants commonly found in yards or in uncultivated areas in Gainesville, FL were chosen as substrates for evaluation of the effectiveness of residual bifenthrin against 5–7-day-old female Ae. albopictus. Knockdown of mosquitoes after 1 h of exposure was highest the day of and 7 days after treatment. Plant species clearly impacted the effectiveness of residual bifenthrin. One-hour knockdown 7 days after treatment remained high (>62%) only on azalea and holly bush vegetation. Knockdown counts 24 h after exposure demonstrated that residual efficacy of bifenthrin was highest on azalea, with >77% mortality for up to 35 days. Additional bioassays revealed significant differences in the knockdown rates of male, female, gravid, and blood-fed Ae. albopictus exposed to residual bifenthrin treatments, with the highest knockdown observed on the day of and 7 days after treatment.

Treating perimeters with residual insecticides for protection from mosquito vectors has shown promise. These barrier treatments are typically evaluated in temperate or tropical areas using abundant vegetation as a substrate. However, there is an emerging interest to develop this technology to protect deployed US troops in extreme desert environments with sparse vegetation. We used a remote desert area in the Coachella Valley, California, to 1) evaluate bifenthrin barrier treatments on native xeric vegetation and 2) compare treatments applied with electrostatic and conventional spray technologies. Through a combination of laboratory bioassays on treated and control vegetation sampled at specific intervals over 63 days, synchronized with field surveillance of mosquitoes, we measured the temporal pattern of bioactivity of bifenthrin barriers under natural hot, dry, and dusty desert conditions. Regardless of spray technology, mosquito catch in treated plots was about 80% lower than the catch in control plots 1 day after treatment. This reduction in mosquito numbers in treated plots declined each week after treatment but remained at about 40% lower than control plots after 28 days. Field data were corroborated by results from bioassays that showed significantly higher mosquito mortality on treated vegetation over controls out to 28 days postspray. We concluded that barrier treatments in desert environments, when implemented as part of a suite of integrated control measures, may offer a significant level of protection from mosquitoes for deployed troops. Given the comparable performance of the tested spray technologies, we discuss considerations for choosing a barrier treatment sprayer for military scenarios.

Optimized aerial applications were conducted to assess the efficacy of 2 formulations of resmethrin (Scourge® 18–54, Aqua-Scourge® 10–30) for control of caged adult Anopheles quadrimaculatus. Micronair® AU4000 rotary atomizers were employed to apply the chemical. Both compounds were applied at 0.0035 lb AI/acre (3.92 g AI/ha) with the use of the AGDISP computer model to predict appropriate flight offsets (up to 1,219.2 m). Efficacy was based on bioassays with caged An. quadrimaculatus adults and assessment of impinger-collected droplets. Both compounds provided effective mosquito control. Mean mortality at 24 h posttreatment averaged 80.4% for Scourge, and 80.7% for Aqua-Scourge. Mean droplet sizes, D_v0.5  =  26 µm and 38 µm, and mean density, 74 droplets/cm² and 41 droplets/cm², for Scourge and Aqua-Scourge, respectively, were consistent with the bioassay results. Analysis of droplet deposition and mortality failed to reveal a statistical correlation between mortality and deposit volume.

The Cyprus Public Health Service has regularly conducted mosquito surveillance in the Republic of Cyprus over the past 10 years. Twenty-three species belonging to 6 genera and 10 subgenera have been recorded to date, including species documented from earlier surveys. As a result of this program, new mosquito species for Cyprus have been recorded, including Anopheles marteri, Culex theileri, Cx. impudicus, Culiseta subochrea, and Uranotaenia unguiculata. Importantly, mosquito species previously considered eradicated have reemerged (An. sacharovi). Monitoring and identification of mosquito species is an important component of the Public Heath Service's commitment to protecting the health of residents and preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases.

An anopheline mosquito surveillance was conducted in the malaria endemic areas of Utan Rhee and Lunyuk counties, eastern Sumbawa Island, in 2004 and 2005. Eight species of Anopheles were collected, including a new record of An. balabacensis on the island.

Larvae of Culex (Melanoconion) pilosus were collected in February 2006 during a survey of mosquito fauna inhabiting water bodies in an urban environment in Córdoba city. This is the 1st record of the species in this locality of Argentina, the most western report of this species in the Chaco phytogeographic region.

The geographical distributions of Aedes aegypti, Culex apicinus, Cx. educator, Cx. interfor, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Mansonia humeralis, Ma. indubitans, and Psorophora albigenu/varipes are extended, including new records for 2 provinces.

Knowledge of the host-feeding behavior and extent of interactions with human hosts are important in evaluating the role and vector potential of invasive mosquitoes in transmission of native arboviruses. We collected blood-engorged females of the recently established exotic species Aedes japonicus japonicus from sites in New Jersey during 2000 to 2007 and identified the sources of vertebrate blood meals by sequencing portions of the cytochrome b gene of mitochondrial DNA. Over 1/3 (36%, n  =  36) of the engorged mosquitoes acquired blood meals from humans. Other mammalian hosts included white-tailed deer (53%), fallow deer (5%), horse (3%), and Virginia opossum (3%). No avian, amphibian, reptilian, or mixed blood meals were identified. Our detection of a comparatively high prevalence of human bloodfeeding in Ae. j. japonicus in association with its local abundance, vector competence, and repeated detection of West Nile virus from field-collected specimens illustrates the potential for this invasive mosquito to serve as a “bridge” vector in transmission of West Nile and other mosquito-borne viruses in North America.

Four commercially available temephos formulations (Abate 4E, Clarke 1% Skeeter Abate [1% SA], Abate 2-BG, and Abate 5-BG) were evaluated against 3rd instars of Aedes taeniorhynchus in laboratory beaker tests and small field test plots. Abate 4E liquid formulation was effective in both the laboratory and plot tests. 1% SA and Abate 5-BG were more effective in the small field test plots than Abate 2-BG.

Mortality of nontarget organisms from an ultra-low volume (ULV) aerial application of pyrethrins (Evergreen® EC 60-6) was monitored by collecting arthropods from ground tarps placed at the interface of open and canopy areas. A larger number and greater diversity of arthropods were recovered from tarps in the ULV spray area. The observed mortality was approximately 10-fold greater than in the control area. Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed a significant difference in the abundance and diversity of arthropods collected at treatment and control sites at 1 and 12 h postspray. Arthropods, primarily insects, from the treatment area included representatives from 12 orders and ≥34 families, as compared to 7 orders and 12 families in the control area. Chironomidae (midges) and Formicidae (ants) were the most commonly represented families, accounting for 61% of the arthropods collected from the treatment area; no large-bodied insects (>8 mm) were recovered. Mortality of sentinel mosquitoes in the treatment and control areas averaged 96% and <1%, respectively, at 24 h postexposure. This study supports previous work that the impact of a single ULV application of pyrethrins was limited to a variety of small-bodied arthropods.

A vector surveillance trap support was designed as a tripod of polyvinyl chloride pipes to suspend carbon dioxide–baited traps. This system offers several advantages, including increased ease of transport and trap placement at varied sampling sites, particularly in adverse environments not conducive to previous methods of support. Presentation of the simple design and manufacture of the tripod support is provided.

In the laboratory, fipronil was tested against laboratory-reared and field-collected early 4th-instars of Aedes albopictus. The insecticide was also bioassayed for activity against natural field populations of Ae. albopictus inhabiting 1-liter–capacity stone-made containers in a cemetery in St. Augustine, FL. The cemetery containers also were utilized to study initial efficacy and activity persistence of fipronil against natural populations of Ae. albopictus. The laboratory-reared larvae were 2-fold more susceptible than field-collected larvae as indicated by the 50% lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values of 2.6 and 6 parts per billion (ppb) for laboratory-reared and field-collected larvae, respectively. In the field bioassay, in stone-made containers, the LC₅₀ value of Ae. albopictus larvae amounted to 57.5 ppb. In the cemetery containers, fipronil applied at 3.2 and 32 ppb gave 100% control of Ae. albopictus larvae with either rate of application for at least up to 8 wk posttreatment.