Vector Control for Dengue and Other Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Abstract:
Dengue is transmitted to humans by day-biting mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Primary prevention of this debilitating disease is through vector (mosquito) control: spraying for adult mosquitoes and applying larvicides to standing water. This presentation provides an overview of the problem of dengue fever, including the geographic distribution, the cause of the increasing spread of the mosquito vectors, the dangers of the spread, and the limitations of governmental treatments. Specific topics covered include, the limitations of area wide control, and the need for consumer to be able to purchase protection for his property. Specifics concerning the limitations of larvacides and adulticides will be discussed. The wide range of mechanical controls used by governmental agencies will be discussed, and the effectiveness for the individual consumer will be outlined. Research developed by the United States Center for Disease Control and the United States Department of Defense will be presented. Specific attention will be directed to the role of professional pest control operators in managing the vectors, including the type of equipment, application techniques, nozzle sizes, and application pressure. The specific areas to treat around residential and commercial accounts will be outlined along with the habits and biology of the mosquito that makes this type of treatment most effective. Built in automated mosquito misting systems will be discussed and the reasons that they do not provide the most effective long term control and are also not the most profitable solution for the pest management professional.