Dispersal of Aedes aegypti in urban environments of Miami-Dade County, Florida

Abstract Background The dispersal of Aedes aegypti is influenced by anthropogenic features of urban environments and climatic factors. Miami-Dade County is undergoing rapid urban expansion, creating favorable conditions that support the proliferation of Ae. aegypti . In response to this heightened entomological risk and the continued occurrence of dengue transmission, strengthened vector control programs are essential. Effective mosquito control requires a detailed understanding of vector dispersal ecology. In this study, we aimed to estimate the dispersal parameters of local Ae. aegypti populations in two urban environments in Miami-Dade County. Methods This dispersal study was conducted using rhodamine B self-marking mark–capture procedures. The self-marking unit consists of a rhodamine B sugar feeding apparatus for adult marking, an ovicup containing rhodamine B solution for larval marking, and CO 2 lures. Capture was performed using BG-sentinel traps baited with CO 2 . Redlands and Opa-Locka, representing contrasting settings in population density, vegetation, and breeding habitats, were selected as the study sites. Dispersal capability, including distance traveled [minimum distance traveled (MinDT), maximum distance traveled (MaxDT), and mean distance traveled (MDT)] and flight range (FR) were calculated, and environmental factors influencing the captures of marked Ae. aegypti were analyzed. Results A total of 216 and 36 marked specimens were captured in Redlands and Opa-Locka, respectively. The higher collections in Redlands were associated with higher vegetation coverage and the presence of a tire yard, while daily precipitation was negatively associated with marked specimen counts. The overall dispersal parameters were lower in an agricultural area in the suburban city of Redlands [MinDT = 10.07 m, MaxDT = 144.28 m, MDT = 63.65 m, 50% flight range (FR 50 ) = 24.99 m, and 90% flight range (FR 90 ) = 171.21 m], compared with those in a residential area in the city of Opa-Locka (MinDT = 28.60 m, MaxDT = 316.29 m, MDT = 194.03 m, FR 50 = 131.83 m, FR 90 = 329.58 m). The dispersal parameters estimated in this study were generally comparable to those reported in previous Ae. aegypti dispersal studies conducted in the USA. Conclusions This study demonstrates the utility of rhodamine B self-marking procedures for measuring dispersal parameters and provides essential insight into Ae. aegypti dispersal that can enhance the precision and effectiveness of intervention programs. Graphical Abstract