222 - Will history repeat itself? Could Aedes aegypti be re-displaced by Ae. albopictus from the re-established area in the City of Gainesville, Florida?

Abstract: The discovery of Aedes aegypti in the City of Gainesville, Florida in 2019 after a 26-year absence prompted Gainesville Mosquito Control program (GMC) to increase its Aedes surveillance. Starting from early 2020, GMC used multiple methods to monitor Ae. aegypti and albopictus population in the area (Pleasant Street Historical District, PSHD) where Ae. aegypti was detected first. For the first two years, less than 1% (0.45% in 2020 and 0.70% in 2021, respectively) adult Ae. albopictus was collected from the PSHD BGS traps. However, significantly higher number (>8.5%) of Ae. albopictus was collected from the same area in 2022. The percentage of Ae. albopictus vs. Ae. aegypti ranges from 0-30% in 2022, increasing as the time progress and reaching its peak at the month of August. Results show that Ae. aegypti is being replaced by Ae. albopictus in this newly established area. Will history repeat itself? Only time can tell.