Seasonal field efficacy of pyriproxyfen autodissemination stations against container‐inhabiting mosquito Aedes albopictus under different habitat conditions

BACKGROUND Control of the container‐inhabiting mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is difficult using conventional methods due to its selection of cryptic peri‐domestic habitats. We evaluated whether autodissemination stations can deliver sufficient pyriproxyfen to sentinel containers to produce significant pupal mortality in different habitats such as competing oviposition sites, peri‐domestic habitats, junkyards and tire piles. We also tested how far the pesticide could be transferred over a 200‐m range. RESULTS Autodissemination stations performed effectively for 8–12 weeks under field conditions. Pupal mortality was reduced in sentinel cups with high‐competing oviposition habitats (5 versus 20) in isolated plots; however, similar results were not seen in residential areas. Increasing the number of stations per plot (from 1 to 4) enhanced the efficacy. Peri‐domestic habitat trials showed the highest pupal mortality (50.4%) and site contamination with pyriproxyfen (82.2%) among the trials. Autodissemination stations were able to contaminate habitats in a junkyard (50.0%) and tire piles (40.2%). Pyriproxyfen was detected in sentinel cups up to 200 m from stations. Detection of pyriproxyfen by residue analysis (0.005–0.741 µg L−1) in field samples confirmed the transfer of the insect growth regulator. CONCLUSION Autodissemination stations have shown promising potential as a novel pest management tool against container mosquitoes in field trials in different habitats confronted by mosquito control personnel. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry Wild mosquitoes disseminating pyriproxyfen from the autodissemination station (pull & push mechanism) to the sentinel oviposition containers to inhibit the larval development and adult emergence of mosquitoes.