Seasonality and time of host-seeking activity of Culex tarsalis and floodwater Aedes in northern Colorado, 2006-2007.
Effective and economical control of adult vector and pest mosquitoes requires knowledge of their seasonal abundance and host-seeking activity patterns. We conducted research in 2006-2007 to study these variables for Culex tarsalis, Aedes vexans, Ae. melanimon, and Ae. dorsalis in Larimer County, CO. Mosquitoes were collected with traps that segregated catches in 7 consecutive 2-h intervals initiating at 1730 h at 4 sites. Seasonal abundance varied for all species by site and year. Time of host-seeking activity was consistent for all species by site and year. Culex tarsalis counts were significantly higher 1.2-4.5 h after sunset than during the preceding time intervals. Maximum host-seeking activity of the 3 Aedes species occurred from 0.8 h before sunset to 6.5 h after. Host seeking by all species continued throughout the night. For optimal control of Cx. tarsalis adulticide application should start approximately 1 h after sunset, and control of Aedes species should begin soon after sunset, and for all species applications can continue throughout most of the night.
Godsey
Marvin S
MS
Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3150 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA.
Burkhalter
Kristen
K
Delorey
Mark
M
Savage
Harry M
HM
D000330:Aedes / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D003120:Colorado; D003465:Culex / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D012621:Seasons; D013997:Time Factors