Acute toxicity of two insecticides on two species of Chagas disease vectors.

ABSTRACT

The control of triatomine vectors of Chagas disease is mainly based on the use of pyrethroid insecticides. Because chemical control is the primary method for managing these insects, it is crucial to diversify the range of products utilized to mitigate the risk of resistance development. This study evaluated the toxicity of two insecticides with different modes of action on Triatoma dimidiata Latreille and T. pallidipennis Stal first and third instar nymphs. Our study focused on the effects of two insecticides, buprofezin (a growth regulator) and flunocamid (an anti-feeder), on the mortality rate of triatomine bugs in a laboratory setting. Moreover, we investigated how direct and indirect (film method) exposure to these insecticides impacted the survival of the insects. Flonicamid emerged as a promising insecticide for triatomine control since it caused 100% mortality in first-instar nymphs 48 h after direct exposure. While, in third instar nymphs, the maximum mortality was 88% at 72 h after exposure. Our result can be used as a basis for future triatomine control plans.