Sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique, emerging alternatives to insecticides for adult mosquito control

Abstract Adult mosquitoes are vectors for many infectious diseases, such as the dengue, Zika, and West Nile viruses, and thus are significant threats to public health. Reducing mosquito populations decreases the risk of vector-borne diseases in human populations. Integrated management of mosquitoes includes targeting larvae with biological controls and insect growth regulators, while adulticides are commonly used for adult population reduction. Secondary effects of these insecticides can include insecticide resistance, non-target effects, and potential human health impacts. Emerging adult mosquito control techniques, such as sterile insect techniques (SIT), incompatible insect techniques (IIT), and use of genetically modified mosquitoes, such as Oxitec mosquitoes, are increasingly being successfully implemented. These techniques have advantages but also have challenges. The advantages and challenges are detailed, and future adoption of these mosquito release techniques is discussed.