Evaluation of Pioneer eco-backpack sprayer and Twister XL backpack sprayer using Aqualuer against caged adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus.

ABSTRACT

A Pioneer Eco-Backpack electric cold ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayer and a gas-powered Twister XL 3950 series 2 motorized knapsack ULV sprayer with Aqualuer (20.6% permethrin AI) were evaluated against caged adult Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus in St. Augustine, FL. The Pioneer Eco-Backpack sprayer provided 100% knockdown of both species of mosquitoes at 15 min; the Twister XL backpack sprayer resulted in 17-23% knockdown at 15 min. Both backpack sprayers with Aqualuer resulted in 100% mortality of both species at 24 h. The new Pioneer Eco-Backpack sprayer powered by electricity could be a potential tool for mosquito control.