Temperature and time of host-seeking activity impact the efficacy of chemical control interventions targeting the West Nile virus vector, Culex tarsalis.

ABSTRACT: West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading mosquito-borne disease causing-pathogen in the United States. Concerningly, there are no prophylactics or drug treatments for WNV and public health programs rely heavily on vector control efforts to lessen disease incidence. Insecticides can be effective in reducing vector numbers if implemented strategically, but can diminish in efficacy and promote insecticide resistance otherwise. Vector control programs which employ mass-fogging applications of insecticides, often conduct these methods during the late-night hours, when diel temperatures are coldest, and without a-priori knowledge on daily mosquito activity patterns. This study's aims were to 1) quantify the effect of temperature on the toxicity of two conventional insecticides used in fogging applic

SUBMITTER: Kalmouni J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11392387 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature