Suppressing Aedes albopictus, an emerging vector of dengue and chikungunya viruses, by a novel combination of a monomolecular film and an insect-growth regulator

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010 May;82(5):831-7. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0546.

Abstract

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is rapidly increasing its global range and importance in transmission of chikungunya and dengue viruses. We tested pellet formulations of a monomolecular film (Agnique) and (S)-methoprene (Altosid) under laboratory and field conditions. In the laboratory, Agnique provided 80% control for 20 days, whereas Altosid, in combination with Agnique, provided 80% control for > 60 days. During field trials, the 1:1 pellet ratio of combined products provided > 95% control for at least 32 days and 50% control for at least 50 days. Altosid remained effective after a 107-day laboratory-induced drought, suggesting that the product serves as a means of control during drought conditions and against spring broods in temperate regions. Agnique and Altosid, when used in tandem for cryptic, difficult-to-treat locations, can provide long-term control of Ae. albopictus larvae and pupae. The possible additive or synergistic effects of the combined products deserve further investigation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aedes / drug effects*
  • Aedes / physiology
  • Aedes / virology
  • Alphavirus Infections / transmission*
  • Alphavirus Infections / virology
  • Animals
  • Chikungunya virus*
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / prevention & control
  • Dengue / transmission*
  • Humans
  • Insect Vectors / virology
  • Insecticides / pharmacology
  • Juvenile Hormones / pharmacology*
  • Larva / drug effects
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Methoprene / pharmacology
  • Mosquito Control / methods*
  • Pupa / drug effects

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Juvenile Hormones
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Methoprene