Zika Virus Vectors: Aedes Mosquito Biology

and Behavior

Jim Fredericks, Ph.D, BCEVice President, Technical and Regulatory Affairs

National Pest Management Association21 April 2016

Aedes aegypti – Yellow fever mosquito

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Aedes albopictus - Asian tiger mosquito

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Aedes Distribution in the U.S.

http://www.cdc.gov/dengue/resources/factSheets/MosquitoLifecycleFINAL.pdf

Egg Stage – Aedes Mosquitoes•Eggs laid above the waterline

•Eggs hatch when water fills container

•Can survive without water for 6-12 months

•A. albopictus eggs can survive cold temperatures

http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/cafnrm/faculty/mosquitohome.html

Managing Breeding Locations

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Aedes mosquitoes prefer relatively clean water sources

Potential Breeding Sites

Water containers CansTiresTree holesPailsPlastic jugsClogged guttersBird bathsCatch basinsChildren’s toysAbandoned poolsFlowerpots

Any container with water present > 5 days

Eliminate Breeding Locations

Larval Stage

•Larvae emerge after water covers eggs

•Feed on microorganisms in water

•3 molts, then develop into pupa

http://hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/cafnrm/faculty/mosquito_wigglers.ht

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Pupal Stage

•Sometimes called tumblers

•Adults emerge from this stage

•Not as vulnerable to control methods as larval stage

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Adult Stage

•Females require blood meals for egg production•Aedes spp. bite aggressively during daytime (nights too)•Prefer to feed on humans•Rarely disperse beyond 100 yards from hatch location

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Takeaway Messages• Zika is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes

• Aedes mosquitoes have unique behaviors– Daytime biters– Prefer to feed on humans– Multiple small meals– Well adapted to breed in and around structures– Limited dispersal

• Zika vectors require an integrated pest management approach for control efforts to succeed

Aedes mosquito control is LOCAL!

What’s NPMA’s Message?Control is LOCAL!

Zika vectors require an integrated pest management approach for control efforts to succeed

The industry has a built-in pest defense network of 150,000 professionals trained in mosquito control