Lufenuron is a chitin synthesis inhibitor used for controlling several pest insects. The German cockroach, Blattella germanica, is a cosmopolitan insect of medical and economic importance. Resistance to insecticides has been worldwide reported in this species. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of lufenuron in two colonies of B. germanica, one susceptible to insecticides (CIPEIN) and another pyrethroid-resistant (JUBA). Experimental populations from each colony were exposed to flter papers treated with 50 mg of lufenuron/m2. Controls were exposed to flter papers treated with solvent alone. After seven weeks, the average size of both lufenuron-treated populations was 1.33 ± 0.7 individuals, while the average size of control populations were 206.5 ± 39.5 (CIPEIN) and 136.5 ± 43.5 (JUBA) individuals. This drastic effect suggests that lufenuron could be used as an alternative for the control of pyrethroid-resistant German cockroaches. Future studies should explore the toxicity of lufenuron on other populations of B. germanica resistant to pyrethroids or other insecticides.

Lufenurón es un inhibidor de la síntesis de quitina usado para controlar diversas plagas de insectos. La cucaracha alemana, Blattella germanica, es un insecto cosmopolita de importancia médica y económica. Existen numerosos reportes de resistencia a insecticidas en poblaciones de B. germanica alrededor del mundo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de lufenurón en dos colonias de B. germanica, una susceptible a insecticidas (CIPEIN) y otra resistente a deltametrina (JUBA). Se expusieron poblaciones experimentales de ambas colonias a papeles de fltro tratados con 50 mg de lufenurón/m2. Los controles fueron expuestos a papeles de fltro tratados con solvente solo. Al cabo de siete semanas, las dos poblaciones expuestas a lufenurón presentaron el mismo tamaño promedio (1,3 ± 0,7 individuos); mientras que los tamaños promedio de las poblaciones controles fueron 206,5 ± 39,5 (CIPEIN) y 136,5 ± 43,5 individuos (JUBA). Este drástico efecto sobre el tamaño poblacional sugiere que lufenurón podría ser usado como una alternativa para controlar cucarachas alemanas resistentes a deltametrina. A la vista de estos resultados, se debería explorar la toxicidad de lufenurón en otras poblaciones de B. germanica resistentes a piretroides u otros insecticidas.

A susceptible strain of Aedes albopictus derived from the Gainesville strain (Florida, USA) was established in our laboratory. The larvicidal efficacies of the neurotoxic insecticides temephos, permethrin and the pure cis and trans-permethrin isomers and the microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) against Ae. albopictus were estimated and compared to a susceptible strain of Aedes aegypti. The larvicidal effect of insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen was also evaluated in both mosquito strains. The median lethal concentration/median emergency inhibition values for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively, were: temephos, 3.058 and 6.632 ppb, permethrin, 3.143 and 4.933 ppb, cis-permethrin, 4.457 and 10.068 ppb, trans-permethrin, 1.510 and 3.883 ppb, Bti, 0.655 and 0.880 ppb and pyriproxyfen, 0.00774 and 0.01642 ppb. Ae. albopictus was more tolerant than Ae. aegypti to all six larvicides evaluated. The order of susceptibility for Ae. aegypti was pyriproxyfen > Bti > trans-permethrin > temephos > permethrin > cis-permethrin and for Ae. albopictus was pyriproxyfen > Bti > trans-permethrin > permethrin > temephos > cis-permethrin. Because both species can be found together in common urban, suburban and rural breeding sites, the results of this work provide baseline data on the susceptibility of Ae. albopictus to insecticides commonly used for controlling Ae. aegypti in the field.

The embryonic development of human lice was evaluated according to the changes in the morphology of the embryo observed through the transparent chorion. Based on ocular and appendage development, three stages of embryogenesis were established: early, medium, and late. Influence of temperature and relative humidity (RH) on the laboratory rearing of Pediculus humanus capitis eggs was assessed. The optimal ranges for temperature and RH were 27-31°C and 45-75%. The susceptibility of human louse eggs to insecticide spinosad (a macrocyclic lactone) was assessed by immersion method. The results showed similar susceptibility to spinosad in early, medium, and late stages of head lice eggs. In addition, this study showed similar susceptibility of head and body lice eggs to spinosad, an insecticide that has not been used as pediculicide in Argentina (lethal concentration 50: 0.01%).

New alternative insecticides are necessary for the chemical control of head lice. In this study the fumigant knockdown time 50% (KT50) and repellency index (RI) of three aliphatic lactones was compared with two essential oils and DDVP, against permethrin-resistance Pediculus humanus capitis from Argentina. In the fumigant assay, none of the lactones were effective compared to the highest activity of eucalyptus (KT50 15.53 m). In the repellency test, the three lactones were equally or more effective (RI ranging from 60.50 to 76.68) than the positive control (piperonal). These lactones are promising as head lice repellents.

The aim of the currrent investigation was to evaluate (a) the toxicity of three pyrethroids (deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and tetramethrin); (b) the effect of these insecticides on the locomotor activity; and (c) the repellent effect of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) on two deltamethrin-resistant strains of Triatoma infestans from Argentina (El Chorro and La Toma), and one susceptible strain. The resistance ratios (RRs) obtained for the La Toma strain were: > 10,769, 50.7, and > 5.2 for deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and tetramethrin respectively. The RRs for the El Chorro strain were: > 10,769, 85.8, and > 5.2 for deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and tetramethrin respectively. The hyperactivity usually caused by the three pyrethroids was in both the deltamethrin-resistant strains compared to the susceptible reference strain. No differences were observed in the repellent effect of DEET between the three groups. These results indicate that the deltamethrin-resistant insects have a cross resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin and tetramethrin, and are also resistant to the first symptom of pyrethroid poisoning (hyperactivity). However, the sensorial process related to DEET repellency does not appear to be altered.

Topical application of 1-dodecanol was significantly more toxic against teneral first nymphs (1-3 h old) than post-teneral first nymphs (24 h old). The lethal dose ratios were 711,500 for Rhodnius prolixus and 3613 for Triatoma infestans. No significative difference between LD50 was found when 1-dodecanol was injected in recently hatched adult R. prolixus (1-4 h old) nor in older adults (24 h old). These values were similar to those calculated for deltamethrin (an effective triatomicide), showing that 1-dodecanol had no insecticidal properties when it was applied by injection. Topical application of high dose of 1-dodecanol (1 µg/i) on teneral first nymphs of R. prolixus, produced an interruption of the darkening process of the cuticle, and probably in the development of its physiological properties.

Deltamethrin and other pyrethroids have been extensively used in Argentina since 1980, for the chemical control of Triatoma infestans Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Recently, resistance to deltamethrin was detected in field populations by the survival of bugs exposed by topical application to the diagnostic dose estimated on the CIPEIN susceptible strain. Results of the current study showed low resistant ratios (RRs) to deltamethrin for the resistant populations (RR ranged from 2.0 for San Luis colony to 7.9 for Salta colony). Biochemical studies were made on the most resistant colony (Salta) and the susceptible strain (CIPEIN), in order to establish the importance of degradative mechanisms as a cause of the detected resistance. Esterase activity was measured on 3 days old first instars through phenylthioacetate and a-naphtyl acetate activities. The results showed a significant difference in no cholinesterase esterase activity from susceptible (7.6 ± 0,7 µM S./i.min.) and Salta resistant colony (9.5 ± 0.8 µM S./i.min.). Cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase (P450) activity was measured on individual insects through ethoxycoumarine deethylase (ECOD) activity using a fluorescence micro plate reader. The dependence of ECOD activity on age and body region of the nymphs, and pH and time of incubation were studied in order to optimize the measurement. As a result, comparative studies were performed on abdomens of 2 days old first instars at pH 7.2 and 4 h incubation time. ECOD activity of first nymphs was significantly lower in the susceptible colony (61.3 ± 9.08 pg ECOD/ insect) than in the resistant one (108.1± 5.7 pg ECOD/ insect). These results suggest that degradative esterases (no-cholinesterase) and mono-oxygenases cytochrome P450, play an important role in the resistance to deltamethrin in Salta colony from Argentina.

Pote fumígeno à base de piretroides e diclorvos foi empregado para desinsetizar um insetário de triatomíneos, contaminado com baratas e formigas. Retirados os triatomíneos durante a aplicação, o produto mostrou-se muito eficiente contra os insetos invasores, eliminando-os completamente em 48 horas. Monitorando-se a ação triatomicida através de frascos sentinelas com adultos, ninfas e ovos de Triatoma infestans, Panstrongylus megistus e Rhodnius neglectus, não se observou ação ovicida, mas sobre os adultos e ninfas até pelo menos 72 horas após a fumigação, no recinto fechado.

An insecticide fumigant canister based on synthetic pyrethroids and dichlorvos was employed against cockroaches and ants which were invading an insectarium used for rearing triatominae. After removal of the Triatominae, the canister was activated and found to kill all the invading insects within 48 hours. Possible residual action against triatomines was then monitored by a 24-hour exposure of eggs, nymphs and adults of Triatoma infestans, Panstrongylus megistus and Rhodnius neglectus in the treated insectarium. No ovicidal action was observed but some mortality of adults and nymphs of the three species was observed up to 72 hours after the fumigation.

Triatoma infestans is the most important vector of Chagas’ disease in Argentina. Experiences from Argentine national campaigns have shown indoor spraying to control triatomine bugs is both expensive and difficult. An alternative control method may be the use of pyrethroid- impregnated fabrics (PIFs), which could be both a practical and cheap complement to conventional control measures. In this study, a formulation of emulsifiable concentrate of beta-cypermethrin [a-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl-3- (2,2-dichlorovinyl) -2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxilate] pyrethroid was used to impregnate different fabrics. The fabrics were then tested for their efficacy and persistence in killing Triatoma infestans. Insects attempting to penetrate or grasp the fabric in search of blood meals were poisoned by the exposure to the absorbed pyrethroid. Laboratory bioassays showed that the insecticidal effect of the PIFs with a dosage of 0.2 g/m² lasted longer on wool than on cotton or rayon. Eight months after impregnation, a residual efficacy of 100% was found for wool, 80% for rayon-cotton fabrics, and 50% for rayon- polyester fabrics. In addition, beta-cypermethrin-impregnated fabrics showed a better repellency effect than did fabrics impregnated with either deltamethrin or cypermethrin. For field trials, fabrics were impregnated either in the laboratory or "in situ" at a dosage of 1 g beta-cypermethrin/m² and then dried. The PIFs were placed inside homes, either under the roof or under the bed mattress. The field trials showed the PIF approach to be very effective in keeping dwellings free of triatomine bugs for at least one year and found a high degree of acceptability among the houses’ residents.

Triatoma infestans es el principal vector de la enfermedad de Chagas en Argentina. La experiencia adquirida en las campañas nacionales de este país ha demostrado que la fumigación de los domicilios para controlar los triatómidos es cara y difícil. Un método de control alternativo que podría ser un complemento práctico y barato de las medidas de control convencionales sería el empleo de telas impregnadas de piretroides. Los insectos que intentaran penetrar la tela o caminaran sobre ella en busca de comida serían intoxicados por la exposición al piretroide absorbido. En este estudio se utilizó un concentrado emulsionado del piretroide beta-cipermetrina [alfa-ciano-3-fenoxibencil-3- (2,2-diclorovinil) -2,2-dimetil-ciclopropano-carboxilato] para impregnar diferentes telas y después se investigó su eficacia y persistencia para matar a Triatoma infestans. Los bioensayos de laboratorio revelaron que, con una dosis de beta-cipermetrina de 0,2 g/m², el efecto insecticida era más duradero en la lana que en el algodón o el rayón. Ocho meses después de la impregnación, se registró una eficacia residual de 100% en la lana, de 80% en las telas de rayón y algodón y de 50% en las de rayón y poliéster. Además, las telas impregnadas de beta-cipermetrina presentaron mayor efecto repelente que las impregnadas de deltametrina o cipermetrina.En los estudios de campo, después de ser impregnadas in situ con una dosis de beta-cipermetrina de 1 g/m² y secadas, las telas fueron colocadas en el interior de las casas, debajo de los colchones o clavadas al techo. Estos estudios de campo demostraron que el método era muy eficaz para mantener los domicilios sin triatómidos durante al menos un año y que tenía un alto grado de aceptación por parte de los moradores.

Symptoms of poisoning for deltamethrin and cis-permethrin on nymphs III of Triatoma infestans were described. The time required for incoordination and paralysis were determined. Deltamethrin was equal or more rapid in the onset of the first effect (accordingly to dose), and cis-permethrin in the onset of the second one. There were no significant differences between incoordination doses 50% (IncD50s) at different times for the two pyrethroids. They showed equivalent incoordination power, but the nymphs treated with deltamethrin recovered slightly more rapid and in greater amount than the nymphs treated with cis-permethrin. The recovery was inhibited by the simultaneus application of piperonyl butoxide. This result suggests that biotransformation by mixed-function microsomal oxidases are involved in the process of recovery

This study assessed the insecticidal effect in the laboratory and in the field of the new pyrethroid ß-cypermethrin against Triatoma infestans, the vector of Chagas' disease, and compared it with that of deltamethrin. Comparison of the 50% lethal dosis (LD50) of both pyrethroids showed that ß-cypermethrin is more effective against the nymphs and that deltamethrin is more effective against the adults. Evaluation of the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of the flowable formulations of both insecticides, placed on different surfaces, showed that their effectiveness on glass is similar, while on a ceramic surface deltamethrin is slightly more effective. The flowable formulations of the two insecticides were tested in 100 infested homes in the province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. Deltamethrin was applied at a surface concentration of 25 mg/m² and ß-cypermethrin at 50 mg/m². The real surface concentrations of these products were analyzed from filter paper samples placed on walls and ceilings. Gas chromatography revealed good agreement with the target concentrations. In addition, entomological assessments were carried out 60, 90, 180, and 365 days after the treatments. Infestations were found only during the last assessment: in the peridomiciliary area of 10% of the houses treated with ß-cypermethrin and in 7% of the houses treated with deltamethrin (6% in the peridomiciliary area and 1% inside the house). The results indicate that ß-cypermethrin's effectiveness in controlling T. infestans when applied at a concentration of 50 mg/m² is similar to that of deltamethrin applied at a concentration of 25 mg/m².

En este estudio se evaluó en el laboratorio y en el campo el efecto insecticida sobre Triatoma infestans, vector de la enfermedad de Chagas, del nuevo piretroide ß-cipermetrina, y se comparó con el de la deltametrina. La comparación de las dosis letales 50 (DL50) de ambos piretroides indicó que la ß-cipermetrina es más efectiva en ninfas y la deltametrina, en adultos. La evaluación de la concentración letal 50 (CL50) de las dos formulaciones floables de ambos insecticidas depositados sobre distintos soportes mostró que su efectividad en vidrio es similar. En cerámica, la deltametrina es ligeramente más efectiva. Los dos insecticidas floables se evaluaron en 100 viviendas infestadas de la provincia de Santiago del Estero, Argentina. La deltametrina floable se aplicó a una concentración superficial de 25 mg/m² y la ß-cipermetrina, de 50 mg/m². Las concentraciones superficiales reales de ambos productos se analizaron por medio de papeles de filtro colocados en paredes y techos. El análisis por cromatografía de gases mostró buena coincidencia con las concentraciones previstas. Asimismo, se realizaron evaluaciones entomológicas 60, 90, 180 y 365 días después de los tratamientos. Solo en la última evaluación se encontró 10% de infestación en peridomicilios de viviendas tratadas con ß-cipermetrina y 7% en las viviendas tratadas con deltametrina (6% en el peridomicilio y 1% en el domicilio). Los resultados indican que la efectividad de la ß-cipermetrina para controlar a T. infestans cuando se aplica a una concentración de 50 mg/m² es similar a la de la deltametrina cuando esta se administra a una concentración de 25 mg/m².