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Title: Spray characterization of ULV sprayers typically used in vector control

Author
item Hoffmann, Wesley
item WALKER, TODD - Us Navy
item Fritz, Bradley - Brad
item FAROOQ, MUHAMMAD - Us Navy
item SMITH, VINCENT - Us Navy
item ROBINSON, CATHY - Us Navy
item SZUMLAS, DAN - Us Navy
item Lan, Yubin

Submitted to: Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/22/2009
Publication Date: 9/29/2009
Citation: Hoffmann, W.C., Walker, T., Fritz, B.K., Farooq, M., Smith, V., Robinson, C., Szumlas, D., Lan, Y. 2009. Spray characterization of ULV sprayers typically used in vector control. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 25:332-337.

Interpretive Summary: Ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayers are often used to apply products for the control of human disease vectors, such as mosquitoes and flies. However, the selection and setup of these machines significantly affects the level of control achieved during an application. The distribution of droplet sizes produced by nine different ULV sprayers and two thermal fogging machines was evaluated with five commonly used insecticides. A wide range in droplet sizes was provided by the different equipment and with different spray formulations. Results from this study allow pest managers to knowledgeably select the sprayer and operational setup that best fit their application.

Technical Abstract: Numerous spray machines are used to apply products for the control of human disease vectors, such as mosquitoes and flies. However, the selection and setup of these machines significantly affect the level of control achieved during an application. The droplet spectra produced by nine different ULV sprayers with oil- and water-based spray solutions were evaluated along with two thermal foggers using diesel-based spray solutions. The volume median diameter from the sprayers ranged from 14.8 to 61.9 micrometers for the oil-based spray solutions and 15.5 to 87.5 micrometers for the water-based spray solutions. The two thermal foggers generated sprays with a volume median diameter of 3.5 micrometers. The data presented will allow spray applicators to select the spray solution and sprayer that generate the droplet size spectrum that meets the required specifications for the spray application.