A Mechanical Insecticide Approach to Non-Chemical, Low-Cost Mosquito Control

Erin Cloherty

Abstract

Overdependence on the use of insecticides has led to resistance and has created significant challenges in controlling mosquitoes globally. In 2017, the City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) evaluated an engineered perlite product (Imergard WP, Imerys, Paris, France) against mosquitoes in the field and in the laboratory in Mon Honduras. Control of the mosquitoes was strictly mechanical and formulation did not contain a chemical insecticide. The objective was to determine the efficacy of a IMERGARD WP when applied inside the structures and at entry point on the exterior and the residual effect in bioassays.