SEMI-FIELD ULV EVALUATION OF AN ALL-PURPOSE BOTANICAL INSECTICIDE CONTAINING CEDARWOOD AND CINNAMON OILS AGAINST ADULT AEDES AEGYPTI

Abstract

Public health mosquito control operates with only two classes of mosquito adulticides: pyrethroids and organophosphates. Recent work improving the emulsification of essential oils has increased the potential for development of plantderived active ingredients. There is a growing body of literature on essential oils for various roles in mosquito management. NatureCide Pest Management (NCPM), a product available in private and commercial home pest control, uses a mixture of 25.3% cedarwood oil and 12.7% cinnamon oil as a Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) exempt insecticide for both indoor and outdoor use. Recent investigations by the Anastasia Mosquito Control District of St. Johns County have found other FIFRA exempt products to be effective as a residual spray on vegetation. In continuing the exploration of botanical insecticides, NCPM was used in ULV tests against Aedes aegypti (L.) within its 35-122 ml per L of water label rate. Applications at 35 ml/L resulted in 60-70% knockdown after 1 hr and mortality after 24 hr. Increasing the rate to 70 ml/L resulted in 100% knockdown and mortality across all replications. Crystalline precipitation of the microemulsion was observed in mix tanks after standing for at least 2 wk, but it was not apparent that the efficacy of the product was reduced as a consequence. Cedarwood oil and cinnamon oil are a beneficial combination for ULV adulticiding against mosquitoes and could have a beneficial role for integrated mosquito management.