Pest Control - Arthropod Control - Mosquitoes - Sand Flies
Biology
They are holometabolous insects (egg-larva-pupa-adult). The larval and pupal stages are aquatic, while the adults fly. The length of the adults ranges from 3-6mm.
Both males and females feed on plant sugars, which are the only food source for males. Only females take blood. Blood proteins are necessary for egg production. They have specialized mouthparts to pierce the host’s skin; males have a proboscis, but its structure does not allow them to bite. Their saliva contains anticoagulant and anesthetic substances.
Males live for 1-3 weeks and females for up to 5 months.
Host Detection
They detect their host from a distance of 50 meters, through olfactory, visual, and thermal stimuli. The flight/dispersal radius of females depends on the species, while males do not move away from the breeding site.
The species that concern us are:
Anopheles sacharovi
This is a large, light-colored mosquito. It creates habitats in coastal marshes, rice fields, and brackish waters, in areas exposed to the sun, with aquatic vegetation. It was the most important vector of malaria in Laconia in 2011.
Anopheles sacharovi
This is a large, light-colored mosquito. It creates habitats in coastal marshes, rice fields, and brackish waters, in areas exposed to the sun, with aquatic vegetation. It was the most important vector of malaria in Laconia in 2011.
Aedes albopictus
Relatively small in size, with black-and-white coloration. Its larvae can develop even in small water sources, such as containers, tree cavities, or vehicle tires. It is a vector of Dengue fever virus, Chikungunya virus, and canine dirofilariasis.
Ochlerotatus caspius
This is a large mosquito. It creates habitats in brackish marshes, rice fields, and permanent or temporary water collections. It is a vector of West Nile virus, Tahyna virus, and the bacterium Francisella tularensis.
Preventive Measures – Personal Protection
• Use of mesh netting (16-18 mesh) on all openings, or on small water collections.
• Installation of mosquito screens on homes.
• Use of fans, air conditioners
• Removal of stagnant water from basins, vases, flowerpots, gutters (water change every week)
• Caution when watering lawns
• Use of repellents for personal use (Attention should be paid to the instructions for use)
Treatment
• Use of insecticides against larvae
Caution regarding the use of water from breeding sites
Ground spraying (aerial spraying only after permission from the Ministry of Health)
• Biological control
In ecologically protected areas, products containing the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. Israelensis are used, as well as fish of the genus Gambusia.
• Management and limitation of breeding sites
• Products with mechanical action against larvae
• Use of insecticides against adults (fumigations, external and internal sprays with residual and non-residual products)
Integrated Mosquito Management Program
• Identification of species and breeding sites
Mapping of breeding sites
Entomological surveillance
Adult captures
Sampling of immature stages
Seasonal fluctuation
• Larval control
Improvement works or destruction of breeding sites
Spraying
• Adult control (in emergency cases)
Identification of resting sites and spraying
• Personal protection measures
Sand Flies (Psychodidae)
The phlebotomines, also known as blood-sucking sand flies, belong to the Psychodidae family of Diptera insects and are of great public health importance, as they act as intermediate hosts for Leishmania species. These protozoa cause leishmaniases, the main forms of which are visceral leishmaniasis, or kala-azar, in humans and dogs, cutaneous leishmaniasis, and oropharyngeal leishmaniasis, only in humans.
Biology – Public Health Significance
The biological cycle of these insects includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult insect. Adult insects are small in size (1.5-4 mm), nocturnal, grayish-yellow to brown, with a hairy body, legs, and wings. They move by jumps of up to half a meter in length, while they rarely fly, as other Diptera do. Female phlebotomines use the blood they suck for egg production. Their bite is particularly painful and is characterized by a small local inflammation with a diameter of 1-2 cm. It is accompanied by intense itching, which can last up to weeks in sensitive individuals.
These insects are widespread mainly in tropical, subtropical, and certain temperate regions. The phlebotomine species found in Greece reach nine, six of which are proven invertebrate hosts of pathogenic Leishmania. In our country, phlebotomines are active during the summer months, while in tropical countries throughout the year.
Of great importance in the transmission of pathogens, when they infect humans and animals, is the knowledge of the existence of species that are anthropophilic, zoophilic, or zooanthropophilic. Thus, in Greece, the absence of zooanthropophilic phlebotomine species excludes the transmission of leishmaniases from dogs to humans.
Treatment
We must point out that protection against sand flies is based on a combination of measures and not on the application of a single treatment method. Sand flies can be prevented from developing large populations inside and outside facilities. Indoors, the following should be carried out:
• Frequent cleaning to limit organic matter.
• Moisture on walls should be limited with building materials.
• Preventive pest control should be carried out at least once a year.
• Electric devices with insect repellent should be used, either liquid or tablet.
• Window screens should be used.
• The use of air conditioners and fans has been proven to help, because it prevents the flight of sand flies, the detection of humans and, consequently, bites.
• A professional solution for the control of flying insects indoors is also the use of electric insect traps.
• Special ampoules and collars for pets, especially during the summer months.
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