Mosquito control procedures often use broad spectrum insecticides which may adversely affect non-target insects. This project examined the effects of aerial, barrier, and ground based ultra low volume (ULV) sprays in Massachusetts on non-target insects. Malaise traps, targeting the flying insect population, were collected in regular intervals before and after sprays, then the captured insects were sorted by order and counted. The results showed little to no effect on most non-target insects from the ground based sprays, and a temporary knockdown from the aerial spray. The Coleoptera do seem to be affected by the sprays in the short term and, for the aerial spray, in the long term.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Blom, Amanda Lea

Contributors

• Cunningham, Jenny

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042911-121318

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2011

Sponsor

• Sam Telford

Date created

• 2011-04-29

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright

License

• All rights reserved