LABORATORY EXPLORATION OF TOLFENPYRAD AND NATURECIDE IN TOXIC SUGAR BAITS AGAINST AEDES AEGYPTI

Abstract

Attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) are an effective mosquito control tool based on sugar feeding behaviors and oral ingestion. There is a demand from consumers for more effective active ingredients. Torac 15EC, containing tolfenpyrad, is a registered insecticide for control of agricultural pests, which may mean transferability to mosquito control. Another option, Naturecide Pest Management (NPM), is a botanical insecticide containing cedarwood and cinnamon oils for control of adult mosquitoes via contact. This study evaluated tolfenpyrad and a formulated essential oil blend added to toxic sugar baits (TSB) against adult Aedes aegypti, compared with a positive control of 1% boric acid toxic sugar bait, and untreated control. In this experiment setup, ingestions of tolfenpyrad at 1%, NPM at 1% (of finished product) TSB, and boric acid at 1% by female Ae. aegypti mosquitoes resulted in average mortality at 48 hrs were 71%, 73% and 95%, respectively. The results suggest that ingestible tolfenpyrad, Naturecide Pest Management, and boric acid TSBs may be potential tool for mosquito control strategies and programs, but the mode of action of essential oils to kill adult mosquitoes is still needed to be addressed.