Prallethrin-induced excitation increases contact with ultra-low-volume droplets in mosquitoes sprayed with Duet® insecticide

Five formulations containing different combinations of the active ingredients of Duet insecticide – prallethrin, sumithrin, and piperonyl butoxide - were sprayed as ultra-low-volume (ULV) droplets in a wind tunnel. Movement, mortality, and droplets of mosquitoes exposed to sublethal amounts of spray were analyzed. A positive correlation was discovered between mosquitoes that spent more time flying during the time of spraying and the number of droplets found on them. Excitation was immediate in mosquitoes exposed to prallethrin, and later with sumithrin exposure.