Field Research
The District participates in research projects as needed. Such research is frequently a collaborative effort with scientists at the University of Florida’s Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL) in Vero Beach. Other collaborations have included the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Florida A&M University and other mosquito control organizations. Mosquito control-related topics which have been investigated include: saltmarsh management (e.g., Rotational Impoundment Management), mosquito ecology, larvicide and adulticide effectiveness and mosquito-transmitted disease surveillance. Much of this research has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.IRMCD periodically tests the effectiveness of larvicide and adulticide compounds using a variety of methods developed by the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, and our own. These are performed in a variety of environments including laboratory, semi-field, and field tests.
Pesticides are periodically evaluated to make certain they remain effective in current environmental conditions and are effective in controlling mosquitoes found in Indian River County.
Laboratory Testing
Because mosquitoes can become resistant to insecticides, our office periodically tests mosquito larvae and adults from our area to ensure that the materials that we use remain effective.
Semi-Field Testing
Semi-field testing is conducted outdoors, thus using natural sunlight and temperature while maintaining control over some variables such as flooding or drying. This allows for experimental conditions which are more similar to field conditions than is experienced in a laboratory setting.
Field Testing
Operational evaluations are done to determine if laboratory and semi-field results can work in the field.
Thorough testing in the lab, in the blocks and in the field, IRMCD is continuing to monitor materials for efficacy.
Environmental tests
These photos show part of a test inside an actual salt marsh to determine what impact our treatments might have on non-target aquatic insects. New and current products can also be tested in an exposed mini-environment.
