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About the Authors:
Gregory M. Williams
* E-mail: [email protected]
Affiliations Hudson Regional Health Commission, Secaucus, New Jersey, United States of America, Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
Ary Faraji
Affiliations Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America, Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
Isik Unlu
Affiliations Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America, Mercer County Mosquito Control, West Trenton, New Jersey, United States of America
Sean P. Healy
Affiliations Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America, Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
Muhammad Farooq
Affiliation: Navy Entomology Center of Excellence, Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America
Randy Gaugler
Affiliation: Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
George Hamilton
Affiliation: Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
Dina M. Fonseca
Affiliation: Center for Vector Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
Introduction
The range of Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is expected to expand in highly urbanized temperate regions in North America and Europe in response to climate change [1]–[3]. An aggressive human biter, this mosquito is often the primary pest species eliciting complaints from the public in areas where it occurs [4] and it also presents a significant health risk [1], [5], [6]. Unfortunately, conventional mosquito abatement methods do not control Ae. albopictus effectively. Local mosquito control agencies across the US mount aggressive control campaigns against salt marsh, floodwater, and many other rural-based mosquito pest species [2]. Since the onset of the WNV epidemic mosquito control agencies in urban and suburban areas have targeted Culex spp. in residential storm drains and other large stagnant water sources [2]. These programs rarely impact Ae. albopictus, which thrive in small pockets of water in artificial containers such as buckets, toys and trash primarily within private yards [7]. Therefore, efforts tend to be limited to public education, placing the responsibility for control on unqualified citizens [8], [9]. Having individual...