Semi-field evaluation of a novel controlled release device using transfluthrin as spatial repellent to prevent entry of mosquitoes into military tents

Authors: RAJAGOPL, NAGARAJAN - University Of Florida; Bowman, Adam; ALDANA, FLOYD - University Of Florida; BATICH, CHRISTOPHER - University Of Florida; Hogsette, Jerome - Jerry; Kline, Daniel - Dan

Submitted to: Current Research in Parasitology and Vector Borne Diseases
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/5/2023
Publication Date: 1/14/2023
Citation: Rajagopl, N.R., Bowman, A.R., Aldana, F.J., Batich, C.D., Hogsette, Jr, J.A., Kline, D.L. 2023. Semi-field evaluation of a novel controlled release device using transfluthrin as spatial repellent to prevent entry of mosquitoes into military tents. Current Research in Parasitology and Vector Borne Diseases. 3(100113). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100113.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100113

Interpretive Summary: In semi-field studies a collaborative (University of Florida, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and USDA Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville) of mosquito scientists designed and evaluated a novel, passive release device to protect occupants of a miltary tent from mosquito bites. Effective Personal Protection Methods (PPMs) do exist in the military but there is an issue with compliance of their use by deployed warfighters. Given this compliance challenge in utilization of current PPM technology, passive PPMs need to be developed that are effective and require minimal to no involvement by the deployed soldier. The use of area wide or spatial repellents has been suggested as a possible alternative. The focus of this report is on the development of TF emanating tent entrance protection devices that require minimal involvement of the deployed soldier with the goal of minimizing non-compliance issues associated with use of topical repellents in current PPM guidelines. In this paper we report on the development and evaluation of a novel type of controlled release passive spatial repellent (SR) delivery device, a custom designed tent entrance protective device, designed to release a sufficient concentration of transfluthrin (TF) to effectively prevent mosquito entry into a tent and thus prevent vector-soldier contact.

Technical Abstract: Mosquitoes are vectors for various diseases and the need for newer repellents has increased due to development of resistance. Long-term spatial repellents are still a goal for small areas such as personal space and tents. With the recent registration of Transfluthrin in the United States, there is growing interest to deploy this exceptionally effective pyrethroid in a variety of situations. Sustained release devices are designed to provide long term repellency. These devices are used to protect tent entrances to provide personal protection. The devices were tested in a semi field setting for the efficiency by performing bioassay tests at various distances and heights. Free flying mosquitoes were released and captured using a trap set inside the tent. Bioassay of mosquitoes were performed inside the tent to measure the efficacy of the devices throughout the tent to ensure the free fliers which got in through the devices were knocked down. The repellency of devices ranged from to. The sustained release transfluthrin devices are efficient up to 6 weeks in repelling the mosquitoes.