Source and spread of Aedes albopictus in the Veneto region of Italy

Abstract

Colonies of Aedes albopictus were discovered at the end of the summer of 1991 in the Veneto region of Italy. To locate the source of the infestation, a detailed investigation was carried out among companies dealing in the production of recapped tires. Because most of the tires had been imported from the USA, it was surmised that this could have been one source of the infestation. This hypothesis was confirmed in the summer of 1992 following an inspection of a load of used tires from Atlanta, Georgia, in which Ae. albopictus eggs were found. Despite control measures in 1991, many colonies of Ae. albopictus are now well established in large areas of the region. Adults are active between the months of April and October. They are very susceptible to the most common insecticides.