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Measured efficacy, bioaccumulation, and leaching of a transfluthrin-based insecticidal paint: A case study with a nuisance, nonbiting aquatic insect

September 3, 2022

BACKGROUND

Pest management professionals will require a diverse, adaptive abatement toolbox to combat advanced challenges from disease vector and nuisance insect populations. Designed for post-application longevity, insecticidal paints offer extended residual effects on targeted insect pest populations; a measured understanding of active ingredient bioavailability over time is valuable to fully assess treatment efficacy and potential environmental risks. This study was initiated because a nuisance net-spinning caddisfly, Smicridea fasciatella, is lowering the quality of life for riverfront residents at the type locality.

RESULTS

We tested the efficacy and potential mobility of a transfluthrin-based paint (a.i. 0.50%), comparing the impacts of UV exposure and substrate texture over time. Direct UV exposure decreased efficacy (β ± S.E. = 0.008 ± 0.001, P < 0.001) and a coarse texture maintained greater efficacy (β ± S.E. = −3.7 ± 1.3, P = 0.004) over time. Notably, the coarse texture + indirect UV treatment maintained 100% mortality after 240 days. UV exposure and substrate texture did not have a significant impact on leachate concentrations over time, and successive immersion tests indicated a two-phase emission pattern. Bioaccumulation increased with time on the cuticle of dead adult S. fasciatella; after 24 h of direct exposure the concentration of transfluthrin was 25.3 ± 0.9 ng/caddisfly with a maximum concentration of 345 ng/caddisfly after 7 days.

CONCLUSION

Our predictions were validated with measured, time-dependent impacts on efficacy, leachability, and bioaccumulation. Because of the mobility of active ingredient in the environment, insecticidal paints merit low-impact protocols to improve public health outcomes and environmental safety. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Publication Year 2022
Title Measured efficacy, bioaccumulation, and leaching of a transfluthrin-based insecticidal paint: A case study with a nuisance, nonbiting aquatic insect
DOI 10.1002/ps.7163
Authors Michael C. Cavallaro, Corey Sanders, Michelle Hladik
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Pest Management Science
Index ID 70236899
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization California Water Science Center
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