The effect of mosquito spraying on non-target terrestrial insects

Blom, Amanda Lea

Student Work

The effect of mosquito spraying on non-target terrestrial insects Public

Mosquito control procedures often use broad spectrum insecticides which may adversely affect non-target insects. This project examined the effects of aerial, barrier, and ground based ultra low volume (ULV) sprays in Massachusetts on non-target insects. Malaise traps, targeting the flying insect population, were collected in regular intervals before and after sprays, then the captured insects were sorted by order and counted. The results showed little to no effect on most non-target insects from the ground based sprays, and a temporary knockdown from the aerial spray. The Coleoptera do seem to be affected by the sprays in the short term and, for the aerial spray, in the long term.

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