Ground Applications of Vectobac® WDG with A1 Super-Duty Mist Sprayer® and Micronair® AU5000 Atomizer for Suppression of Aedes aegypti Populations in the Florida Keys

Abstract

Since 2011, the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) has used the WALS® application strategy with VectoBac® WDG containing Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis via helicopter in Key West for the control of Aedes aegypti larval populations. In 2018, FKMCD conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of using a trailer-mounted A1 Super Duty Mist Sprayer® (A1 Mist Sprayers) with a Micronair® AU5000 (Micron Group) atomizer to apply VectoBac WDG by ground at the rate of 0.5 lb/acre (0.56 kg/ha). Bioassay cups were placed in a residential area encompassing open, moderate, and heavy cover scenarios between 0 and 300 ft (0-91.44 m) perpendicular to the spray line. An application rate of 0.5 lbs/acre (0.56 kg/ha) was used. Bioassay cups were collected after application and returned to the laboratory where 100 ml of distilled water and 10 F1 generation Ae. aegypti larvae were added. Laval mortality was monitored at 2, 4, and 24 h. Three separate runs were completed during the summer of 2018. Average larval mortality at 24 h was >90%. The field trial demonstrated sufficient efficacy to introduce this method of larviciding into operational use.

Keywords: Aedes aegypti; Bti; Florida Keys; VectoBac WDG; WALS.