Control of Aedes albopictus larvae using time-release larvicide formulations in Louisiana

The ability of time-release formulations of larvicides and insect growth regulators (IGRs) to provide long-term control of Aedes albopictus was investigated in the field. Larvicides used in the study were Bactimos pellets (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, active ingredient) and Abate pellets (temephos, active ingredient). The IGR Altosid (methoprene, active ingredient) was used in pellet and sand formulations. Application rates were higher than label recommendations. In a preliminary test, clay flower bowls were treated with 2 g of material. Bactimos pellets failed to provide control after 60 days. Abate pellets and the Altosid formulations provided essentially 100% control for 150 days. After 360 days in the field, the Abate pellets produced 100% larval mortality, and significant levels of control were provided by the Altosid formulations and the Bactimos pellets. In a small-scale operational trial of this technique, 1 g of Altosid pellets was applied to every container that could be located in 2 urban residential neighborhoods in Lake Charles, LA. Aedes albopictus biting populations were monitored weekly in the treated areas and in an untreated control area. Biting population densities declined significantly in treated areas compared with the control area. Results suggested that long-term control of Ae. albopictus populations can be achieved economically with one application of Altosid pellets or Abate pellets in containers.