Mosquito control in urban areas with the help of scientists

Thanks to an innovative approach to mosquito control developed at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, residents of several Maryland neighborhoods have reduced invasive tiger mosquito populations in Asia by an average of 76% .

Rutgers' project, Citizen Action by Science (Citizen ACTS), mobilizes neighbors guided by scientists to tackle local problems, according to a review by the journal Scientific reports this week.

This approach was tested at University Park, Maryland, where approximately 1,000 residential sites were infested with the invasive Aedes albopictus, primarily a major pest in temperate climates, but a vector of chikungunya, yellow fever, and yellow fever. dengue and even Zika in more southerly regions. Led by Rutgers scientists, more than 500 University Town landowners purchased spawning egg laying traps in early 2017, which they installed and maintained during the summer. The insecticide used was canola oil, a common household product.

"The Citizen AcTS model rejects the top-down approach that has always led to mosquito control failures," said lead author of the study, Dina M. Fonseca, a professor in the department's ### 39, entomology and director of the Center for Vector Biology. "Instead, this model works through respectful exchanges between scientists and residents, which lead to trust, membership of residents and transfer of ownership of the program to the community."

It has long been recognized that the success of Aedes mosquito control programs in urban areas requires the support of the community. Around the world, government and other organizations are increasingly using volunteer citizens for large-scale surveillance of mosquitoes and other labor-intensive activities. . However, the use of residents to control mosquitoes has rarely been successful because of the high rate of attrition and lack of personal motivation. However, immature mosquitoes that typically grow in small containers in residential yards are a particularly attractive target for citizen efforts as it is difficult for state and county professionals to access and treat care.

Initial participation in a mosquito control program depends largely on self-interest and awareness of social responsibility. Long-term involvement often relies on developing strong relationships between volunteers and scientists, and between volunteers and their communities, according to the study.

According to the Citizen AcTS model, residents purchase, deploy and maintain low-cost traps (approximately $ 15) that target and kill nesting females. Volunteers and community leaders are mentored by scientific advisers and work closely with them.

The researchers hope that their innovative approach to urban mosquito control will inspire other communities to try it. Last summer, they worked with Sligo Park Hills in Maryland, Mt. Pleasant in the District of Columbia and Highland Park, New Jersey. Other communities in North Carolina, Virginia, California, Maryland and New Jersey have since become interested in this approach.

Community members who have been suffering for a long time and who are trying to engage their neighbors in bee-friendly projects, solar panels or runoff prevention have explained how easy it is to get everyone involved. "world," while the goal is to kill mosquitoes. "This is an excellent topic of conversation!"; "I met all my immediate neighbors"; and "we think about using the" mosquito network "to strengthen our community" are examples of positive reactions.