FIELD EVALUATION OF TALSTAR (BIFENTHRIN) RESIDENTIAL BARRIER TREATMENTS ALONE AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH MOSQUITO MAGNET LIBERTY PLUS TRAPS IN CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA

Abstract

The effectiveness of bifenthrin applications to vegetation with and without commercial mosquito traps (Mosquito Magnet Liberty Plus) was evaluated against Culicoides biting midges in a residential coastal area located in Cedar Key, Florida. Efficacy evaluations were determined by surveillance trap collections and modified landing rate counts. In general, all treatments provided significant reduction from Culicoides biting midge pressure when compared with untreated yards with no traps (control). However, the combination of bifenthrin and Liberty Plus traps proved to be the most successful in reducing Culicoides compared with yards with only a Liberty Plus trap. Yards treated with bifenthrin alone or in combination with the Liberty Plus trap were more successful than controls, suggesting that Culicoides biting midge population suppression may be obtained through barrier application alone.