Customer Problem
Roatan is situated in the Caribbean Sea. This island is a tropical paradise that attracts many tourists with its long stretches of white sand, beautiful weather and the world’s second largest barrier reef – MesoAmerican – in their backyard. However, mosquitoes and sand flies are detrimental to current, referral and return customers, negatively impacting the revenue opportunity of the resort. Customer satisfaction and profitability would increase if a solution to these pests could be found.

The resort has, in the past, used commercial pyrethroids spray to control the insect population. The chemicals, at the regulated World Health Organization (WHO) level, are no longer effective as the mosquitoes and sand flies are now resistant.

Goal
To use an all-natural, biological product that is effective in controlling mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti).

Methodology
Both field and lab tests were conducted to demonstrate efficacy.

Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the efficacy of the product in increasing mosquito larvae mortality rates for the following species: Aedes aegypti, Anopheles albimanus and Culex quinquefasciatus. Results for Culex quinquefasciatus are presented below in Table I.

After encouraging lab test results (and previous successful field applications in India for Malaria and Chinkungunya*) - a field trial at the resort for mosquitoes (Aedes) was initiated. The SCD Probiotics vector control formulation was applied to areas around the property where insects typically reproduce - sand and standing water. Mangroves, beach, gardens, cisterns, fountains, small forest and water sport areas were inoculated. Approximately 4,300 liters were used (about 1,150 gallons) over the 18 acres property throughout the 42 days trial period.

Baseline samples taken July 9-14. No chemicals were used in the vicinity for four (4) weeks prior to application in order to restore the area to it’s natural condition. Application of the vector control formulation in all three resort locations (beach, marina and pool) began July 15 and continued daily through August 28.

Lab Results - 99% Mortality of Mosquito Larvae in 4 Days

Table I
Percentage of Average Mortality Rate of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito over 120 hrs and at different concentrations of SCD Probiotics vector control formulation. Different concentrations were tested to help gauge appropriate application rates and protocols.

Field Testing Results
Data was collected to verify the decrease in adult mosquitoes and mosquito larvae. Results compiled from the data showed:

• 99% reduction in mosquito larvae in fountains
• 100% reduction in mosquito larvae in cisterns and tunnels.
• 99% reduction in mosquito larvae in beach, swimming pool and forest areas
• Reduction in adult mosquitoes in three zones from 18/day to 1/ day (physical count)