Getting real about resistance: The 6 most common questions

Authors: Estep Iii, Alden

Submitted to: Wingbeats
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/9/2022
Publication Date: 9/5/2022
Citation: Estep Iii, A.S. 2022. Getting real about resistance: The 6 most common questions. Wingbeats. 33(3):5-10.

Interpretive Summary: Insecticide resistance is commonly found in mosquitoes and is an issue of concern for mosquito control programs because it can reduce the ability to effectively control pest mosquitoes. As a laboratory that conducts insecticide resistance research in mosquitoes and pest flies, we meet and collaborate with many industry participants and we often discuss how insecticide resistance may affect their ability to control mosquitoes. In this article, we summarize the issues and challenges that control programs often face, the five questions we are often asked, and provide practical advice based on the latest research in the field.

Technical Abstract: Insecticide resistance (IR) is commonly found in mosquitoes and is an issue of concern for mosquito control programs because it can reduce the ability to effectively control pest mosquitoes. A search through the recent scientific literature and resistance databases shows that IR is frequently found and that the two most important domestic mosquito vector species, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, are almost always considered resistant when tested. As rapid control of these species during a disease outbreak is critical, IR to adulticides is a critical issue that can reduce control efficacy. As a laboratory that conducts insecticide resistance research in mosquitoes and pest flies, we meet and collaborate with many industry participants and we are often asked to discuss how insecticide resistance may affect their ability to control mosquitoes. Many of the vector control personnel have concerns about how to implement IR testing within tight budget frameworks. More importantly, they often wonder about the links between IR identified in the laboratory and whether this translates to a loss of efficacy in the field using formulated products. In this article, we summarize the issues and challenges that control programs often face from IR, the five questions we are most often asked, and provide practical advice for effective resistance mitigation and management based on the latest research in the field.