Isik Unlu1, Ary Faraji2, Nicholas Indelicato3, Dina M Fonseca4. 1. Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA Mercer County Mosquito Control, 300 Scotch Road, West Trenton, NJ 08628, USA iunlu@mercercounty.org. 2. Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA Mercer County Mosquito Control, 300 Scotch Road, West Trenton, NJ 08628, USA Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, 2020 North Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116, USA. 3. Mercer County Mosquito Control, 300 Scotch Road, West Trenton, NJ 08628, USA. 4. Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 180 Jones Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The primary sources of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in its exotic range in North America are artificial containers in backyards, which vary widely in accessibility. In this study we examined their prevalence in two container types that are difficult to inspect: catch basins and corrugated extension spouts (CES), the latter used to divert rainwater in downspouts away from house foundations. METHODS: We conducted larval and pupal surveys in catch basins, CES and open containers such as buckets and plant saucers in three urban locations in Mercer County, New Jersey, USA. RESULTS: We found that Ae. albopictus were rare in catch basins but prevalent in CES, and were often the only species collected in CES. Specific characteristics of the CES were not significantly associated with the presence or number of Ae. albopictus in them, but those longer and closer to the ground were significantly more likely to contain water, and therefore mosquitoes. During peak season (July-August), the abundance of immature Ae. albopictus was significantly higher in CES than open containers. CONCLUSIONS: We found that CES are an important source of Ae. albopictus in our region and propose that effective control strategies should be implemented to minimize mosquito populations from these cryptic habitats. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2014. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.
BACKGROUND: The primary sources of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) in its exotic range in North America are artificial containers in backyards, which vary widely in accessibility. In this study we examined their prevalence in two container types that are difficult to inspect: catch basins and corrugated extension spouts (CES), the latter used to divert rainwater in downspouts away from house foundations. METHODS: We conducted larval and pupal surveys in catch basins, CES and open containers such as buckets and plant saucers in three urban locations in Mercer County, New Jersey, USA. RESULTS: We found that Ae. albopictus were rare in catch basins but prevalent in CES, and were often the only species collected in CES. Specific characteristics of the CES were not significantly associated with the presence or number of Ae. albopictus in them, but those longer and closer to the ground were significantly more likely to contain water, and therefore mosquitoes. During peak season (July-August), the abundance of immature Ae. albopictus was significantly higher in CES than open containers. CONCLUSIONS: We found that CES are an important source of Ae. albopictus in our region and propose that effective control strategies should be implemented to minimize mosquito populations from these cryptic habitats. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2014. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.
Entities:
Keywords:
Aedes albopictus; Container-inhabiting mosquito; Cryptic habitat; Larval survey; New Jersey
Authors: Kshitij Chandel; Devi Shankar Suman; Yi Wang; Isik Unlu; Eric Williges; Gregory M Williams; Randy Gaugler Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2016-12-29
Authors: Brian L Montgomery; Martin A Shivas; Sonja Hall-Mendelin; Jim Edwards; Nicholas A Hamilton; Cassie C Jansen; Jamie L McMahon; David Warrilow; Andrew F van den Hurk Journal: PLoS Negl Trop Dis Date: 2017-03-24