Droplet Characterization and Penetration of an Ultra-Low Volume Mosquito Adulticide Spray Targeting the Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus, within Urban and Suburban Environments of Northeastern USA.
Adult control of Aedes albopictus via ultra-low volume is difficult because this species occurs primarily in peridomestic habitats where obstacles such as buildings and vegetation can disrupt spray plumes and droplet dispersion. We determined droplet penetration and characterization of a pyrethroid adulticide applied from the ground at mid (46.77 ml/ha) and maximum (93.53 ml/ha) label rates within cryptic habitats of urban and suburban environments. Droplets were collected from all habitats, with no significant differences detected between locations within the same application rate or collection method. No differences were detected in droplet densities (drops per mm2) between rates within urban environments, but more droplets were collected in urban (149.93 ± 11.07 SE) than suburban sites (114.37 ± 11.32) at the maximum label rate (P = 0.003). The excellent penetration of aerosols into cryptic habitats of an urban site was likely due to the shorter spray paths afforded by our network of roads and alleys. Mid label rates displayed similar droplet density values as maximum label rates in urban areas, indicating that lower rates may be used effectively to reduce costs, lessen non-target effects, and increase environmental stewardship. Advances in formulations and technology are driving changes in adulticide applications, leading to use of the minimum effective dose for maximum efficacy, precision, and accountability.
Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America.|Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America.
Ary
A
Faraji
Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America.|Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America.
Isik
I
Unlu
Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission, Eatontown, New Jersey, United States of America.
Taryn
T
Crepeau
Monmouth County Mosquito Extermination Commission, Eatontown, New Jersey, United States of America.|Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America.
Sean
S
Healy
Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America.
Scott
S
Crans
Department of Environmental Sciences, Clarke Mosquito Control, Roselle, Illinois, United States of America.
Griffith
G
Lizarraga
Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America.
Dina
D
Fonseca
Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America.
Randy
R
Gaugler
D000330:Aedes; D000336:Aerosols; D000818:Animals; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors; D007306:Insecticides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008685:Meteorological Concepts; D009032:Mosquito Control / Q000379:methods*; D009511:New England; D011722:Pyrethrins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018881:Suburban Health; D014504:Urban Health
D000336:Aerosols; D007306:Insecticides; D011722:Pyrethrins