adulticiding

Adulticiding is the public health practice of killing adult mosquitoes and other arthropod vectors to reduce disease transmission by lowering biting rates and shortening vector lifespans. It is usually applied in response to outbreaks or during high-risk periods and is used in combination with longer-term measures such as source reduction, habitat cleanup, and larviciding.

Methods commonly involve space spraying or fogging with ultra-low-volume (ULV) formulations, or thermal fogging, conducted from ground vehicles, handheld devices, or aircraft. These applications target flying adults over defined urban or rural areas and depend on weather conditions such as calm winds and the absence of rain to limit drift and maximize reach.

Effectiveness is variable and typically temporary. Adulticiding reduces adult populations for a short period and may not reach all resting or indoors-housed females. Outcomes depend on species, habitat, timing, and coverage. Risks include effects on non-target insects, potential human exposure, and environmental concerns. Insects can also develop resistance to insecticides, reducing long-term efficacy, and there are concerns about unintended ecological impacts.

Regulatory and organizational aspects: adulticiding is usually part of an Integrated Vector Management program and requires appropriate approvals, training, and adherence to label directions. It is typically carried out by local or regional vector control programs, sometimes with support from national agencies or military units in emergency situations.

Critiques emphasize using adulticiding strategically and as part of a broader, preventive vector control strategy rather than as a stand-alone solution.