Essential oil-based larvicides for mosquito control

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

11:45 AM – 12:00 PM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 221 B, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

IH

Ivy Hurwitz

Principal Investigator
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Co-Author(s)

EW

Elle Winfield

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
FE

Frederick Eyase

U.S. Army
MB

Matthew Burrows

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
EW

Elizabeth Wanja

Entomology Branch Assoc. Dir.
U.S. Army
Silver Spring, Maryland
AC

Andrezza Campos Chagas

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
MW

Michael Workman

Research Scientist
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
DP

Dianne E. Peterson

Graduate Student
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Mosquito-borne diseases (MBD) continue to pose a significant global health threat. In the absence of effective vaccines, civilians and military personnel stationed in endemic regions, must rely on bed nets, repellents, and domiciliary/indoor pesticide spraying for vector control. However, the continued high incidence of MBD suggests current control methods are inadequate. The development of new vector control strategies remains critical for protection against these diseases. When used appropriately, larval source management is highly effective in reducing the risk of MBD. To this end, we have developed an environmentally friendly and effective larvicide by encapsulating selected essential oils into bakers’ yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for targeted delivery to mosquito larvae. Our yeast-encapsulated essential oil (YEEO) larvicides have shown promising results against Aedes and Culex larvae, including resistance strains, in laboratory and semi-field tests. A limitation of the current larvicide formulation is the rapid decline in potency after 48 hours, likely due to microbial contamination in mosquito breeding sites. To address this, we are packaging our larvicides into naturally derived matrices. The protective barriers provided by these biomaterials will enhance the stability and durability of YEEO, thereby reducing the need for frequent reapplication. When optimized, our approach will offer month-long protection against degradation when applied to mosquito breeding sites, enhancing mosquito control efforts, and mitigating the spread of MBDs. In the long run, this strategy will improve the overall efficiency of mosquito control efforts and align with sustainability goals.