Effectiveness of a multiple intervention strategy for the control of the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) in Spain

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of four complementary and combined strategies to minimize the presence of the invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus, firmly established in Sant Cugat del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain. A quasi-experimental design including six neighbourhoods was performed in 2008-2009. The abundance of mosquitoes was monitored through ovitraps. The multiple intervention strategy consisted of four actions: source reduction; larvicide treatments (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and diflubenzuron); adulticide treatments (alfacipermetrin); and cleaning up uncontrolled landfills. The results showed the number of eggs significantly reduced in the areas with intervention. In 2008, the accumulate median of eggs was 175 and 272 in the intervention and control areas, respectively. In 2009, these medians were 884 and 1668 eggs. In total, 3104 households were visited and 683 people were interviewed. During inspections inside the houses, the cooperation of citizens in 2009 was 16% higher than that in 2008 (95% CI 13-19%). These findings suggest that the strategy was effective in reducing the number of eggs. Citizen cooperation, an essential factor for success, was observed through a high level of collaboration by the home owners, who allowed entry into their private dwellings. This study could be a model for controlling the populations of Ae. albopictus in the Mediterranean region.

Dengue Virus Infections among Haitian and Expatriate Non-governmental Organization Workers — Léogane and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 2012

“…Efforts should be made by NGOs and individuals to eliminate mosquito-breeding habitats by systematically reducing standing water in containers around worksites and residences. While vector control has had mixed results with regard to decreasing DENV infections [36], it is still effective at reducing DENV-transmitting mosquitoes by eliminating container habitats [37], [38]. However, dengue risk perceptions need to be addressed within these communities to make these efforts sustainable [39], [40].…”

A Review of the Invasive Mosquitoes in Europe: Ecology, Public Health Risks, and Control Options

“…A number of methods are used in mosquito control (some being more effective than others), and often depend upon the mosquito species that is being targeted. Methods such as source reduction, pesticide application, public education, and biological control are often combined, and these integrated vector management techniques produce the optimal control strategy (Alphey et al 2010;Abramides et al 2011).…”

“…For A. albopictus, the use of insecticides in recently-colonized greenhouses in the Netherlands may have contributed to the decline in numbers caught the following year (Scholte et al 2008). Integrated vector management techniques were introduced in an area where A. albopictus are firmly established in Catalonia, Spain, and proved to be successful in reducing the number of eggs in intervention areas compared to control areas (Abramides et al 2011). However, control of A. albopictus in newly-established areas has been difficult in the U.S., France, and Italy (Paupy et al 2009), with similar problems in Greece and Spain.…”

Vector control programs in Saint Johns County, Florida and Guayas, Ecuador: successes and barriers to integrated vector management

“…A multipronged approach using source reduction, larviciding treatments with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis and diflubenzuron, adulticide treatments, and cleaning up uncontrolled landfills resulted in reduction of number of Aedes albopictus eggs in the areas with intervention. A substantial component for success was the community participation, which increased at each year of intervention [43]. …”