Naslov
Modelling can reduce contamination from mosquito population control

Autori
Đerđ, Tamara ; Hackenberger Kutuzović, Domagoj ; Klanjšček, Tin ; Hackenberger Kutuzović, Branimir

Izvornik
Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment (1436-3240) 37 (2023); 1007-1019

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Matrix population model ; Simulations ; Adaptive mosquito population control ; Effectiveness

Sažetak
Environmental contamination due to pest control in general, and mosquito control in particular, is an important issue expected to increase with climate change. We use a validated model for population dynamics of mosquitoes and historical environmental data to explore performance of larvicidal, adulticidal, and combined treatments. Results show that depending on treatment timing, larvicidal treatments can induce very good results, or have negative outcomes that increase overall mosquito population. Combined larvicidal and adulticidal treatments, however, exhibit much lesser dependence on timing, and therefore give the greatest chance of positive outcomes if environmental conditions are not known. Based on the results, we argue for adaptive mosquito management, in which weather data and forecasts are used to drive a model that identifies best intervals for insecticide use. Such an approach can have considerably better results than static, calendar-driven management and, therefore, considerably reduce environmental contamination. Adaptive management could consider larvicidal treatment because it gives good results if the timing is correct. Static management should, however, combine larvicidal and adulticidal treatments for the greatest chance of success.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Biologija, Interdisciplinarne prirodne znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA