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Parassitologia 50: 99-101, 2008
Availability of insecticidal molecules to control Aedes
albopictus (Skuse)
A. Baseggio
I.N.D.I.A. INDUSTRIE CHIMICHE S.p.A, Technical Assistance
Introduction
Abstract. Following the implementation of the Directive 98/8/CE a few changes in the availability of insecticidal
molecules to control Ae. albopictus have been outlined. Available products for larvicidal treatments
will predominantly be based upon two growth regulators (diflubenzuron and pyriproxyfen). For the control
of the adult forms there will mostly be active ingredients belonging to the pyrethroid group. Importance of
surveillance for the onset of tolerance or resistance phenomena.
Keywords: Ae. Albopictus, Italy, insecticides, availability.
The current availability of insecticidal molecules to control
Aedes albopictus in Italy and the other European
Community member states will undergo a reduction in
both the number of active ingredients and commercial
formulations that can be used. The reduction will affect
both professional pest controllers as well as private consumers.
The reason for this reduction is the implementation
of the review enforced by the Directive 98/8/EC
known as the “Biocidal Products Directive”.The first
“practical” consequences of this directive, with regards
to the availability of insecticidal active ingredients, are
included in the Commission Regulation (EC) N°
2032/2003 and have brought about, amongst other
things, the ban on the use of triclorphon active ingredient,
used in Italy for the production of slow-release
tablets registered for the treatment of stagnant water for
mosquito larvae in general. A more important further
effect is the ban on the use of temephos active ingredient
as of the 31 st March 2008 (Ministry of Health
decree 24/10/2007). Over the last 20 years temephos
has been the most widely used active ingredient for the
production of larvicidal formulations. This active ingredient
was available in a wide variety of formulations:
emulsifiable concentrates, water-based microemulsions
and slow-release tablets.From the 22 th August 2008
(G.U.U.E. L 216/17 of the 21.08.2007) malathionbased
products can no longer be used (from this date
the use of chlorpyrifos-ethyl and chlorpyrifos-methyl
will also cease but this active ingredient is thought to
have only been used for adulticidal treatments against
Ae. albopictus in a few areas of central and southern
Italy due to its high resistance to thermal degradation).
The ban on malathion use could have a greater impact
than that of chlorpyrifos-ethyl and methyl, particularly
for the use made by professional pest controllers.
Correspondence: Alberto Baseggio,
I.N.D.I.A. Industrie Chimiche S.p.A. - Via Nona Strada, 55
35129 Padova, Italy
Tel + 39 049 8076144, Fax + 39 049 8076146,
e-mail: a.baseggio@indiaprodotti.com
The amount of malathion sold by I.N.D.I.A. S.p.A. during
the 2007 season alone to professional pest controllers
and public pest control services against mosquitoes
amounts to approximately 15,000 litres of commercial
formulations.The insecticidal molecules that
are very likely to be authorised for use (but confirmation
will only come once the dossiers submitted for
review have been approved) following the review
enforced by the BPD are:
1) For larvicidal treatments:
(i) Bacillus thuringiensis var. Israelensis serotype H
14: (ii)Bacillus sphaericus (currently unavailable in
Italy); (iii) Diflubenzuron (chitin synthesis inhibitor);
(iv) Pyriproxyfen (juvenile hormone analogue):
In the summer of 2008 the experimentation of
Spinosad-based formulations will also begin in Italy.
Commercial products are expected to become available,
for mosquito larvae control, from 2010-2011.
At the moment the availability of S-methoprene growth
regulator doesn’t appear to be certain. The dossier
required by the Biocidal Products Directive will be submitted
but probably without envisaging use in waterways.By
examining the applicative conditions that characterise
the larvae-control campaign treatments against
Ae. albopictus, and based upon a few experiences collected
from the public services who coordinate the Ae.
albopictus control treatments in their territory, a few
simple conclusions can be drawn.The use of B. thur.
var. israelensis-based formulations can be helpful for
citizens who wish to carry out their own larvicidal
treatments, but the larval control only becomes significant
if the commercial formulation is applied at least
weekly and if, at the same time, the larval development
breeding grounds on public land are subject to careful
control.For the public services who need to plan the
treatment of thousands (or tens of thousands) of micro
breeding grounds present on public land (mostly road
drainage grates of various shapes and sizes) the use of
products marked by reduced persistence is not economically
sustainable, not due to the cost of the product but
due to the cost of the manpower necessary for its application.
Diflubenzuron and pyriproxyfen are currently
extremely efficient against Ae. albopictus. In particular,