New intervention methods and product formulations are needed to better control pyrethroid-resistant Aedes aegypti populations and mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne disease. ReMoa Tri is a novel adulticidal space spray that utilizes a different mode of action than the commonly used adulticides: pyrethroids and organophosphates. As a triple-action space spray, ReMoa Tri combines three components: Fenpropathrin, a mixed-type I/II pyrethroid; abamectin, a macrocyclic lactone; and C8910, a patented fatty acid chain. Prior studies performed by Collier Mosquito Control District showed that ReMoa Tri is effective at controlling type I pyrethroid-resistant Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. To further validate these results and the performance of ReMoa Tri, we conducted a semi-field evaluation using ground and aerial ULV (ultra-low volume) applications with field-caught deltamethrin-resistant Ae. aegypti and a susceptible Ae. aegypti laboratory strain. Ground evaluations tested ReMoa Tri and a type II pyrethroid-based product, DeltaGard. While ReMoa Tri was equally effective against Collier's deltamethrin-resistant Ae. aegypti and the susceptible laboratory strain, DeltaGard was effective against both strains, with reduced efficacy at farther distances. Similarly, aerial evaluations also showed that ReMoa Tri was equally effective against Collier's deltamethrin-resistant Ae. aegypti strain and susceptible laboratory strain. This study further confirms ReMoa Tri's potential as an effective alternative to pyrethroid-based adulticides, both in ground and aerial applications, for managing pyrethroid-resistant Ae. aegypti.

Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) is an invasive mosquito species and notable vector of several pathogens in the USA. Their cryptic and anthropophilic nature puts this species in close association with humans, where they can also be a nuisance. Mosquito control programs are the front line of defense for protecting the community from nuisance-biting and disease. However, the occurrence and prevalence of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes is a well-documented phenomenon that directly impacts the efficacy of insecticide applications. In Florida specifically, widespread resistance in Ae. aegypti has created a need for operational strategies that combat and, ideally, reverse resistance. Laboratory studies and the association between fitness costs and insecticide resistance indicate that this reversion is possible under the right conditions. For a 2.5-year period, the impact of varying operational treatment regimens on insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti is evaluated using kdr genotyping and the CDC bottle bioassay. In an organophosphate treatment area, a decrease in frequency of a double homozygous resistant genotype was observed. CDC bottle bioassays did not reveal any clear trends in the data to indicate a reversion to insecticide susceptibility. However, the changes in genotype could indicate the first step back to insecticide susceptibility. This study provides preliminary data that has implications for resistance management in mosquito control operations. Article Highlights: Presented study represents the first field study to evaluate how changing insecticide pressures on resistant mosquitoes affects insecticide resistance.A decrease in the double homozygous resistance genotype was observed in Ae. aegypti from the organophosphate treatment area after a change in use patterns.Identifiable trends in phenotypic resistance as a result of the treatment regimens were not observed. © 2022, The Author(s).

Mosquitoes are both a nuisance and public health threat. In recent decades, outbreaks of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in Florida have raised awareness of the importance of domestic and peri-domestic container mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The synanthropic nature of these species, coupled with their preference for human bloodmeals, makes them a concern of and target for mosquito control. However, mosquito control programs (MCPs) often struggle to sustainably manage these mosquitoes because of the cryptic and abundant nature of their larval habitats, and negative public opinion towards MCPs and the use of insecticides. Fortunately, mosquito control can be improved by the actions of homeowners and residents as they have regular access to their own property and containers. School-based education programs can provide a means to community-wide education regarding mosquito control. We developed and delivered a mosquito education program to elementary, middle, and high school students. Knowledge of mosquitoes significantly improved in participating elementary and middle/ high school students. This knowledge was partially retained according to a follow-up test that was administered. Additionally, attitudes towards mosquito control and at-home control methods significantly improved following the instruction. The improvements in knowledge and attitudes observed in students suggest they can and should be targeted for mosquito education campaigns by mosquito control programs and educators.

The vector competence of mosquitoes for pathogens has been shown to be influenced by the status of insecticide resistance in the mosquito population. However, to date, only two studies has explored the impact of insecticide resistance on arbovirus transmission. The global and widespread use of pyrethroids has led to the development of insecticide resistance in many mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae), the primary vector of Zika virus. Strains of Ae. aegypti that were genetically similar, but responded differently to pyrethroid exposure, were developed using backcrossing techniques. These populations were orally infected with Zika virus and susceptibility to infection, disseminated infection, and transmission potential were evaluated. Analyses revealed differences in susceptibility to infection and disseminated infection between the pyrethroid susceptible and resistant strains of Ae. aegypti during the infection period. Here, we identify an additional challenge to that of widespread pyrethroid resistance. Specifically, resistance is associated with altered phenotypic traits that influence susceptibility to arbovirus infection and progression of infection in the mosquito, factors which ultimately influence risk of arbovirus transmission. These findings support the need to 1) consider insecticide resistance status during times of arbovirus transmission and 2) to implement insecticide resistance management/ mitigation strategies in vector control programs.