Effects of natural pyrethrum and synthetic pyrethroids on the tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (skuse) and non-target flower-visiting insects in urban green areas of Padua, Italy
The tiger mosquito is a key vector of several human diseases and is considered a public health concern worldwide. The implementation of strategies aimed at maximizing mosquito control without affecting non-target insect groups is of major importance. In a field trial, we tested the efficiency of a natural pyrethrum-based vs. a synthetic pyrethroid-based insecticide in reducing tiger mosquito population and how they affect the diversity of non-target flower-visiting insects in green urban areas.