Suppression Trial through an Integrated Vector Management of IAedes albopictus/I Based on the Sterile Insect Technique in a Non-Isolated Area in Spain

• Published in: Insects (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2023-08, Vol.14 (8)
• Main Authors: Tur, Carlos, Almenar, David, Zacarés, Mario, Benlloch-Navarro, Sandra, Pla, Ignacio, Dalmau, Vicente
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aedes albopictus; Biological research; Biology, Experimental; Control; Distribution; Insect sterilization; Physiological aspects; Vector-borne diseases
• ISSN: 2075-4450; 2075-4450
• DOI: 10.3390/insects14080688

The tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), is a competent vector of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya among others. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is presented as an innovative and environmentally friendly control method to be implemented as a main component of integrated vector control management (IVM). In the Valencian region (Spain), an IVM pilot project led and funded by the Department of Agriculture, based on the use of SIT to control Ae. albopictus, has been carried out from 2017 to 2020. It has proven to be effective in reducing tiger mosquito populations. This manuscript analyzes the impact of the migration of wild individuals from peri-urban areas into non-isolated urban centers on the control strategy. In recent years, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1984) has expanded its distribution globally due to its high ecological plasticity. This expansion has increased the population’s susceptibility to contracting diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, among others, which are transmitted by this mosquito species. In the absence of effective control methods, the application of the sterile insect technique (SIT) is proposed as part of an integrated vector management (IVM) program. From 2007 to 2020, this strategy has been tested in a non-isolated mosquito population urban area of 45 ha, representative of the municipalities of the Valencian region (Spain). The population levels of adult females and eggs collected in the traps have been reduced by 70–80% compared to the control area, demonstrating its efficacy in reducing mosquito populations. This work analyzes the impact of the migration of the wild mosquito population from the peri-urban area to the urban core.