Abstract: Culex tarsalis is one of the most abundant vectors of encephalitis viruses in California. Pyrethroid insecticides are crucial in reducing mosquito populations and thus the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Over the last several years, there have been increased reports of insecticide resistance in Cx. tarsalis. Several graduate students in the Thiemann Lab have worked to characterize the mechanisms of this resistance at multiple sites across Northern California. Data analysis is ongoing, but it appears that both a target-site genetic mutation and increased enzyme levels are contributing to Cx. tarsalis pyrethroid resistance. Here, we will look at which resistance mechanisms seem to be most important.
