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Larval Control II

Larval Control II

Session: Larval Control II

297 - Mansonia mosquitoes, water weeds, and insectary intricacies

Thursday, March 7, 2024
4:45pm – 4:55pm  
Location: A2
Abstract: St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement (Slidell, Louisiana) has over 40 miles of coastal swamps along Lake Pontchartrain capable of producing Mansonia species. These populations peak in the fall and become the primary nuisance mosquito in the southern, highly-populated portion of St. Tammany. Adulticiding has thus far been our main solution for swelling populations, but recent research and new technologies allow for a more diversified strategy. Larval Mansonia species have been found on a narrow range of invasive aquatic weeds, and we have recently begun herbiciding as a means of source reduction. An up-and-coming Mansonia insectary colony, coupled with resistance trials and host plant reduction, will hopefully lead to improved control of these species in coming years. While still nascent, we hope to curb the annual infestation of a major nuisance mosquito while simultaneously reducing invasions of some major aquatic weeds.