Vector Disease Control International Loveland, Colorado, United States
Abstract: The aim of this investigation was to determine the diel activity patterns of all known West Nile virus (WNV) vectors to guide and improve the effectiveness of adulticide treatments. During June–October 2022, we conducted hourly collections over 96-hour periods each month using rotator traps to study host-seeking patterns of all WNV vectors. Preliminary observations indicate the host-seeking activity of Culex tarsalis Coquillett, Cx. pipiens Linnaeus, and Cx. erythrothorax Dyar is bimodal. Peak host-seeking activity occurred at dawn and during 9:00 PM–1:00 AM. These peaks shifted during September to the hours just after dawn and just before dusk likely because of changing photoperiod and daytime temperatures. These observations will be discussed in further detail.
