[Evaluation of the effectiveness of deltamethrin (K-othrine CE) in the control of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae), in the municipality of Santa Rita, Paraíba, Brazil].

Deltamethrin in emulsion concentrate was applied in doses of 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0mg/m2, in households near the littoral of the State of Paraíba, where sporadic cases of visceral leishmaniasis were reported. There was a remarkable decrease in populations of several arthropods, including Lutzomyia longipalpis. This insect, however, was found again in some treated walls, 14 and 21 days after spraying. Statistical analysis indicated significant control for only two four-weeks periods, with extreme irregularity in the quantity captured.