Excitatory effects of ULV droplets of Duet and its components on mosquitoes in a wind tunnel

Duet insecticide contains the active ingredients prallethrin, sumethrin, and piperonyl butoxide. It differs from Anvil by the additional active ingredient prallethrin. The excitatory effects of prallethrin are thought to cause resting mosquitoes to take flight and impinge on more droplets, thus improving efficacy. We tested this idea using insecticide treatments provided by the manufacturer that contained different combinations of these active ingredients, as well as a control containing just the inert ingredients. Ultra low volume (ULV) droplets were introduced into a wind tunnel, exposing resting mosquitoes. Mosquitoes were video recorded before, during, and after exposure, and their behavior was analyzed for excitation using Noldus Observer and Motus software. Mortality and the number and size of droplets on their bodies were also quantified, providing a direct relationship to the volume of droplets required for mortality.