191 - Research, radiation, and resilience: Use of the sterile insect technique for Aedes aegypti (L.) in Lee County, Florida

Lee County Mosquito Control District (LCMCD) established a sterile insect technique (SIT) program to target Aedes aegypti in 2017. Captiva Island was selected as the initial intervention site with a nearby non-intervention site on Sanibel Island and background entomological surveillance began to determine the baseline population in these areas. Meanwhile, LCMCD conducted research to prepare for mass releases of sterile male Ae. aegypti. Operational releases began in June 2020 and continued through September 2022. Due to the severity of impacts from Hurricane Ian, intervention was disrupted and necessitated the selection of a new area of operation. After conducting preliminary surveillance in potential new sites, downtown Fort Myers and surrounding neighborhoods were selected as the new areas of focus. Collection of the entomological baseline began at these new sites in November 2022 with collections ongoing. The pause in mosquito production for field releases has allowed for additional research and improvements to mass rearing and sterilizing Ae. aegypti. Releases of sterile male Ae. aegypti are planned to begin in February 2024.