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Residual knockdown effects of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid-treated nets on Rhodnius prolixus
Victor I Agbajelola1, Walter D Roachell2, Gillian S Lane2
1Pathobiology and Integrative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
Acta Tropica
|April 17, 2026
Summary
Insecticide-treated netting showed residual knockdown efficacy against the Chagas disease vector Rhodnius prolixus six months post-treatment. Esfenvalerate-treated netting demonstrated higher efficacy than dinotefuran-treated netting, highlighting the importance of evaluating residual performance for vector control.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Public Health
- Vector-Borne Diseases
Background:
- Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a significant public health issue in the Americas.
- The triatomine bug Rhodnius prolixus is a primary vector, posing risks to humans and animals, including military working dogs (MWDs).
- Protecting MWDs in endemic areas from vector-borne diseases is crucial for operational readiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the residual knockdown efficacy of esfenvalerate- and dinotefuran-treated netting against Rhodnius prolixus.
- To determine the effectiveness of treated netting six months after application.
- To assess the potential of insecticide-treated netting as a protective measure against Chagas disease vectors.
Main Methods:
- Modified WHO cone bioassays were performed using adult Rhodnius prolixus.
- Insects were exposed to control, dinotefuran-treated, and esfenvalerate-treated netting for varying durations (3-15 minutes).
- Knockdown proportions were recorded and analyzed using ANOVA and generalized linear models.
Main Results:
- Esfenvalerate-treated netting exhibited higher mean knockdown proportions (0.20-0.32) compared to dinotefuran-treated netting (0.08-0.16).
- The treatment group significantly affected knockdown, while exposure time and treatment-exposure interaction did not.
- Insecticide-treated netting retained measurable knockdown activity against R. prolixus six months post-treatment.
Conclusions:
- Insecticide-treated netting maintains residual insecticidal activity against Rhodnius prolixus for at least six months.
- Esfenvalerate-treated netting showed superior performance over dinotefuran-treated netting in this study.
- Evaluating residual insecticidal performance is essential for implementing effective vector control strategies using treated netting in Chagas disease risk areas.
