Productive Container Types for Aedes aegypti Immatures in Mérida, México

Abstract

During 2007-2010, we examined which container types in Mérida, México, are most productive for Aedes aegypti (L.) immatures. Surveys for mosquito immatures followed routine surveillance methodology and container type classifications used by Servicios de Salud de Yucatán. Our main findings were that (1) small and larger discarded containers that serve no particular purpose and therefore can be removed from the environment contribute strongly to larval and pupal production in Mérida, and (2) the importance of different container types can vary among sets of residential premises as well as between dry and wet periods. These results may help to guide future implementation in Mérida of control efforts that target the most productive container types for Ae. aegypti immatures. Furthermore, if the Patio Limpio cleanup campaign that currently is ongoing in Mérida proves successful in removing discarded containers as important immature development sites, then we should see dramatic changes in the most productive container types in the future as the mosquito is forced to switch to other container types, which perhaps also will be easier to include in highly targeted mosquito control interventions.

Mosquito Records from Mexico: The Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Tamaulipas State

“…Methods used to collect mosquitoes and the classification of container types have been described in previous studies (Nájera-Vázquez et al 2004;García-Rejón et al 2011). Nets, turkey basters, or pipettes were used to collect immatures from water-holding containers.…”

“…Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are common in Yucatán State, and larvae and pupae are often found inside disposable containers, buckets, tires, flower pots, vases, and stormwater drains/catch basins where present (Winch et al 1992;García-Rejón et al 2011;Arana-Guardia et al 2014). Aedes aegypti occurs in a diverse range of habitats including residential premises, vacant lots, parking lots, and cemeteries (Baak-Baak et al 2014a,b).…”

Urban Mosquito Fauna in Mérida City, México: Immatures Collected from Containers and Storm-Water Drains/Catch Basins

“…Surveys for immatures and classification of container types were as described in previous studies (Najera-Vazquez et al 2004, García-Rejón et al 2011a) and included inspection of potential development sites for immatures in homes and their patios and yards, on streets/sidewalks - primarily in storm-water drains/catch basins - and in the other targeted settings (Fig. 1).…”

“…Several studies reported on the immature or adult stage of the primary local vector mosquito, Aedes ( Stegomyia ) aegypti (L.), for dengue virus. The studies reported on containers and seasonal patterns of abundance for immatures (Lloyd et al 1992; Winch et al 1992; Manrique-Saide et al 2008, 2012, 2013; García-Rejón et al 2011a; Arana-Guardia et al 2014; Baak-Baak et al 2014) and examined different indoor environments for adults (García-Rejón et al 2008, 2011b). Additional studies have reported more broadly on the mosquito fauna of the Yucatán Peninsula (Najera-Vazquez et al 2004, Zapata-Peniche et al 2007, Ortega-Morales et al 2010, García-Rejón et al 2012).…”

“…Previous studies recorded 29 mosquito species from Mérida City: Ae. aegypti , Aedes ( Ochlerotatus ) scapularis (Rondani), Aedes ( Ochlerotatus ) sollicitans (Walker), Aedes ( Ochlerotatus ) taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann), Aedes ( Ochlerotatus ) trivittatus (Coquillett), Aedes (Ochlerotatus) fulvus pallens ( Ross), Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann, Anopheles crucians Wiedemann, Anopheles vestitipennis Dyar and Knab, Anopheles pseudopunctipennis Theobald, Culex bidens Dyar and Knab, Culex coronator Dyar and Knab, Culex interrogator Dyar and Knab, Culex lactator Dyar and Knab, Culex nigripalpus Theobald, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Culex salinarius Coquillett, Culex tarsalis Coquillett, Culex thriambus Dyar, Toxorhynchites theobaldi (Dyar and Knab), Hemagogus mesodentatus Komp and Kumm, Mansonia titillans (Walker), Uranotaenia lowii Theobald, Psorophora cyanescens (Coquillett), Psorophora albipes (Theobald), Psorophora ciliata (Fabricius), Psorophora confinnis (Lynch-Arribalzaga), Psorophora ferox (Von Humbodt), and Psorophora howardii Coquillet (Lloyd et al 1992; Winch et al 1992; Najera-Vazquez et al 2004; Zapata-Peniche et al 2007; García-Rejón et al 2008, 2011a,b, 2012; Farfan-Ale et al 2009, 2010; Manrique-Saide et al 2008, 2012, 2013). …”