Control of Culicid Pests Along Low-land Rivers of Austria: the Attack-attract Strategy

Abstract:
In Austria the research activity for developing alternatives to insecticides controlling mosquito pests is closely related to Usutu-virus (Flaviviridae) epidemics found in 2001. The decision making of those Austrian communities mentioned in this paper is orientated on prevention of the urban inhabitants from mosquito-borne diseases and from mosquito invasions emerging in neighbouring flood areas. The comprehensive use of pesticides is forbidden by several laws. Accordingly, we have been attacking the larval development of mosquitoes by use of Bacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis substances before they become adults. Using certain synergies of the landscape topography we are able to keep the invasions away from urban districts of the city of Tulln in six from seven flood events since 2005. The attract strategy is going to be realized as a substitute for the larvicid application. This new approach is based on a two-component attractant, which pulls female mosquitoes -mostly of the genus Aedes- towards selected sites to deposit their egg clutches, where we can get rid on them by prepared traps and passively pushing. This method gave best results also with domestic mosquitoes (Culex) to diminish the population in gardens, at tourist areas and in urban parks. Experiments on the feasibility against blood-feeding pest of pastured cattle and around and inside stables are yet going to be done.