A comparison of alternative mosquito abatement methods using benefit-cost analysis.

Benefit-cost analysis can be used to evaluate and compare projects that involve alternative mosquito control methods. A comparison of two such projects in Chatham County, GA indicated that source reduction was a contributing factor in the reduction of ground adulticide applications and quantities, and annual female densities per light-trap night of the predominant saltmarsh mosquito species in the area. Net benefits realized from source reduction were $591,319 as opposed to $409,823 and discounted net benefits were $377,729 versus $284,511 (source reduction project vs. chemical control project) demonstrating the relative effectiveness of the source reduction project in our application. Because of unique differences between areas and projects, generalizations of the above conclusion are cautioned, although the approach is easily adapted.