By Dr. Chris Keefer, Technical Services Representative, Syngenta Professional Pest Management Mosquitoes are nuisance and public health pests across most of the U.S., making homeowners’ yards unhospitable and difficult to enjoy. To provide your customers peace of mind from mosquitoes, it’s important to understand their biology, ecology and best practices to plan for season-long control. Mosquitoes undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. Depending on the species, climate and available resources, a mosquito can move through this life cycle in as little as seven days. Aedes mosquitoes, or container-breeding mosquitoes, are usually the primary target of residential backyard mosquito treatments. This genus of mosquito utilizes an egg-laying strategy called skip oviposition to scatter egg batches between different oviposition sites. This behavior is why an insect growth regulator (IGR), such as Archer® IGR with pyriproxyfen, can help you sustain long-term seasonal control. An IGR inhibits the development of immature life stages of insects, which further suppresses the population. After copulation and a blood meal, a female mosquito moving through treated areas will come in contact with an adulticide, but she can still oviposit many eggs before her demise. However, she can still transport an IGR to each oviposition site as she deposits eggs. Therefore, when the eggs hatch, they will not develop into mature mosquitoes. Pyriproxyfen exhibits a prominent level of activity against mosquito larvae, inhibiting adult emergence at very low dose rates: Adult female mosquitoes that encounter pyriproxyfen oviposit fewer eggs Pyriproxyfen has low mammalian toxicity and off-target impact Pyriproxyfen is useful in resistance prevention and management strategies where adulticides are used Backpack mist blower applications with pyriproxyfen help target cryptic breeding sites or containers in inaccessible areas
Below are some tips for making IGR applications: Systematically inspect the property, documenting standing water and where mosquito eggs and larvae are found Look beyond the treatment zone to ensure a proper treatment can be made Make note of wind speed and direction, as well as potential rainfall Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
For the best results, use a residual contact insecticide, like Demand® CS insecticide, tank mixed with Archer IGR. This tank mix can help maximize efficacy and ensure superior results, giving you confidence in reclaiming your customers’ yards from pesky mosquitoes. Additionally, Demand CS and Archer IGR are both recommended for use as part of the SecureChoice℠ Mosquito Assurance Program, which provides proven mosquito control for up to 60 days. With proper education and knowledge of control efforts, you can provide your customers extended, proven control of mosquitoes. For more information, visit SyngentaPMP.com/Mosquito or contact your local Syngenta territory manager. References Chism, B.D. and C. S. Apperson 2003. Horizontal transfer of the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen to larval microcosms by gravid Aedes albopictus and Ochlerotatus triseriatus mosquitoes in the laboratory. Medical and Veterinary Entomology Vol. 17 Iss. 2, p. 211-220. Invest, J. F. and J. R. Lucas. 6th International Congress on Urban Pests. July 2008. Itoh, T. et al. 1994. Utilitzation of blood fed females of Aedes aegypti as a vehicle for the transfer of the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen to larval habitats. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, 10 3:344-347. Lloyd, A. M. et al. 2017. Evaluation of Pyriproxyfen Dissemination via Aedes albopictus From a Point-Source Larvicide Application in Northeast Florida. Journal of American Mosquito Control Association 33(2):151-155. Sihuincha, M. et al. 2005. Potential Use of Pyriproxyfen for Control of Ae. aegypti. Journal of Medical Entomology, 42(4):620-630.
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