The District Science Department regularly conducts research, collaborating with various organizations such as the University of Florida’s Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL) in Vero Beach, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Florida A&M University, and other mosquito control entities. Research endeavors encompass a range of mosquito control-related topics, including salt marsh management (e.g., Rotational Impoundment Management), mosquito ecology, larvicide and adulticide effectiveness, and mosquito-transmitted disease surveillance. Much of our research findings are disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

To ensure the effectiveness of larvicide and adulticide compounds, the District employs testing methods developed by reputable organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control, in addition to proprietary methods. These tests encompass laboratory, semi-field, and field environments.

Laboratory Testing

Periodic evaluation of pesticides is conducted to ensure their efficacy in current environmental conditions and their ability to control local mosquito populations effectively. 

Mosquito resistance to insecticides is monitored through periodic testing of mosquito larvae and adults from the area.

Field Testing

In 2025, the Science Department is focusing on the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito species. Culex quinquefasciatus is a major vector species that can attribute to the transmission of West Nile Virus. To gain a better understanding of this species, new trap types will be used to survey population numbers and increased resistance testing will be conducted with bottle bioassays to investigate insecticide resistance levels.

The new trap is known as a gravid trap (pictured below). These traps sit on a black tray that is filled with stinky water that attracts egg-laying females in the area. Gravid traps will be placed at four of our sentinel chicken sites enhancing vector species surveillance in the county. Comprehensive resistance testing with three insecticide active ingredients using bottle bioassays will be conducted with Culex quinquefasciatus populations to evaluate the efficacy of the products to refine control practices.

If you have any questions about any research projects please contact Kyle Kosinski at the Indian River Mosquito Control District at (772) 562-2393 or k.kosinski@irmcd.org

Environmental tests

Water Quality Testing is in Progress

If you have any questions about this project please contact Brandon Chadwick at the Indian River Mosquito Control District at (772) 562-2393 or b.chadwick@irmcd.org