Limited impacts of truck-based ultra-low-volume applications of mosquito adulticides on mortality in honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2017

Abstract

Adulticides applied against mosquitoes can reduce vector populations during times of high arbovirus transmission. However, impacts of these insecticides on pollinators and other non-target organisms are of concern to mosquito control professionals, beekeepers and others. We evaluated mortality of Culex quinquefasciatus and Apis mellifera when caged insects were exposed to low and high label rates of four common adulticides (Aqua-Pursuit™ [permethrin], Duet®[prallethrin + sumithrin], Fyfanon®[malathion] and Scourge®[resmethrin]) at six distances up to 91.4 mfrom a truck-mounted ultra-low-volume sprayer. Honey bee mortality was both absolutely low (<10%) and low relative to mosquito mortality for most products, distances, and application rates. Exceptions were at the high rate of Fyfanon (honey bee mortality of 22.100% at distances ≤61 m) and the low rate of Scourge (mortality <10% for both insects). The greatest ratios of mosquito-to-honey bee mortality were found for the low rate of Fyfanon (30× greater) and the high rate of Duet (50× greater). Aqua- Pursuit and Fyfanon tended to increase mortality of both species at closer distances and at higher application rate; this was related to increased number and size of spray droplets. Wind speed and temperature had inconsistent effects on mortality of mosquitoes only. In this bioassay designed to have insects directly intercept insecticide droplets, mosquito adulticides applied at low rates and at >61 mhad limited impacts on honey bee mortality while providing effective mosquito control.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Bulletin of Entomological Research

First Page

724

Last Page

733

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