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Abstract Several species of vector mosquitoes (eg Culex pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758), Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895)) complete juvenile development in artificial containers. Rain barrels are green infrastructure tools used to conserve rainwater for outdoor use, though they may also serve as a source of mosquito habitat in residential neighborhoods. To identify rain barrel features, maintenance habits, and other conditions associated with the presence of juvenile mosquitoes (ie month), we conducted periodic inspections of rain barrels at 53 households in central Illinois, USA between June and September 2016. Additionally, we administered a questionnaire to the household study participants. In the first month of the study, a diversity of mosquito species was detected in household rain barrels, but from July to September juveniles of Ae. albopictus were predominant. More than half of inspected households contained at least one mosquito-positive rain barrel within the study period. Using stepwise model selection, the strongest predictors of whether or not mosquito juveniles were detected in rain barrels were the use of a preventative measure (eg Bti, chlorine, goldfish), the presence of a mesh covering on the lid of the barrel, and the month of the year. Additionally, the participant questionnaire revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of immediate elimination methods, but few were aware of the need for long-term preventative maintenance of rain barrels against larval mosquito colonization. These findings provide valuable insight into best practices for mosquito prevention in green infrastructure and highlight the importance of proper maintenance and education to minimize juvenile mosquito habitat. 

Abstract Container Aedes mosquitoes are the most important vectors of human arboviruses (i.e., dengue, chikungunya, Zika, or yellow fever). Invasive and native container Aedes spp. potentially utilize natural and artificial containers in specific environments for oviposition. Several container Aedes spp. display ‘skip-oviposition’ behavior, which describes the distribution of eggs among multiple containers during a single gonotrophic cycle. In this study, we compared individual skip-oviposition behavior using identical eight-cup testing arenas with three container Aedes species: Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus), Aedes albopictus (Skuse), and Aedes triseriatus (Say). We applied the index of dispersion, an aggregation statistic, to individual mosquitoes’ oviposition patterns to assess skip-oviposition behavior. Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus utilized more cups and distributed eggs more evenly among cups than Ae. triseriatus under nutritionally enriched oviposition media (oak leaf infusion) conditions. When presented with a nutritionally unenriched (tap water) oviposition media, both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus increased egg spreading behavior. Aedes albopictus did not modify skip-oviposition behavior when reared and assessed under fall-like environmental conditions, which induce diapause egg production. This study indicates specific oviposition site conditions influence skip-oviposition behavior with ‘preferred’ sites receiving higher amounts of eggs from any given individual and ‘non-preferred’ sites receive a limited contribution of eggs. A further understanding of skip-oviposition behavior is needed to make the best use of autodissemination trap technology in which skip-ovipositing females spread a potent larvicide among oviposition sites within the environment.