Impact of barrier sprays on the spatial distribution of mosquitoes in a suburban neighborhood in eastern North Carolina

Abstract

Host seeking mosquitoes can be a nuisance and also transmit pathogens causing numerous diseases worldwide. Homeowners may hire private companies that use barrier sprays to alleviate mosquito-related issues, especially in areas where state funding for mosquito control programs is limited. Barrier sprays of insecticides are applied directly to foliage and other surfaces where mosquitoes rest and sugar feed, hence killing adult mosquitoes seeking harborage. Here, the spatial distribution of mosquitoes were evaluated in a suburban neighborhood during successive treatments with either Bifen Insecticide/Termiticide [active ingredient: bifenthrin] or Suspend Polyzone [active ingredient: deltamethrin]) from May 17- November 8, 2016. A total of 15,451 adult mosquitoes and 18,054 eggs were collected during the study period. Analysis of variance (P <0.05) was used to analyze differences in abundance for key species between weeks, traps, and treatments. Weather trends were analyzed using time-lagged weekly average temperature and total rainfall in a multiple linear regression model to determine the extent to which environmental variables influenced mosquito abundance. A geographic information system (GIS) file was created and kriging was used to investigate "hot spots" of mosquito abundance in the study area. A land cover analysis was performed within the GIS file to determine the extent to which land cover type could predict mosquito abundance.