The Impact of Hurricane Irma on Population Density of the Black Salt-Marsh Mosquito, , in Collier County, Florida.

In 2017, the southeastern USA and Caribbean endured an extremely active year for tropical storm and hurricane activity. On September 10, 2017, Hurricane Irma made a 2nd landfall in Florida, striking Collier County-including Naples and Marco Island, FL. Areas affected by Hurricane Irma are abundant in salt-marsh and mangrove swamps, prime habitats for the black salt-marsh mosquito, . Using both human landing rate and Biogents BG-Counter trap data, here we report the year-to-year fluctuations in population density of . In 2017, Collier County experienced a population explosion of , with daily landing rates reaching as high as 150 adult females/2-min period. The following year a dramatic population crash of was observed, representing some of the lowest numbers ever recorded in Collier County. Analysis of human landing rate and trap data following major hurricane strikes, including Hurricane Irma (2017) and Hurricane Wilma (2005), have revealed severe reductions in populations. Because accounts for a large majority of adulticiding missions in the state of Florida, an enhanced understanding of the factors contributing to population dynamics may allow for improved operational planning and decision-making.