Susceptibility of Triatoma sordida Stal, 1859 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to alpha-cypermethrin under natural climatic conditions

Monitoring Rhodnius neglectus (Lent, 1954) populations’ susceptibility to insecticide used in controlling actions in urban areas northwest of São Paulo state

Background:

Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and can be carried by different species of triatomines, including Rhodnius neglectus, which is wild, well distributed in Brazil, and has formed colonies in palm trees located in urban areas of municipalities in the state of São Paulo. Chemical control has been routinely used to reduce population density, but each year, there has been an increase in species dispersion and density. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of insects to insecticides used in control.

Methods:

The reference population was collected from Araçatuba municipality, Nilce Maia. Dilutions of deltamethrin were prepared and applied to the back of the first-stage nymphs, which were biologically synchronized. The control group received pure acetone only. Mortality was assessed after 72 h.

Results:

The mortality rate with respect to diagnostic dose was 100%. The susceptibility profile observed for this population showed RR₅₀ ranging from 1.76 to 3.632.

Conclusions:

The populations were susceptible to the insecticides tested. It is possible that the insecticide residual effect on this ecotope has decreased the lifespan, and controlling failures may be the cause of recolonization in this environment.