POPULATION SURVEILLANCE OF AEDES AEGYPTI AFTER THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA IN THE PAST TEN YEARS

Abstract

The re-emergence of Aedes aegypti (Linn.) in St. Johns County (SJC), Florida, presents increasing concern for public health and vector-control operations. In response, the Anastasia Mosquito Control District (AMCD) expanded routine surveillance to monitor this medically important species. This study summarizes a 10-year surveillance assessment (2016–2025) documenting the resurgence, establishment, and population trends of Ae. aegypti in St. Augustine, Florida. Adult surveillance was conducted using BioGents BG-Sentinel 2 (BGS) traps baited with CO₂ (dry ice). Surveillance confirmed sustained re-establishment of Ae. aegypti within the urban core of downtown St. Augustine, with gradual expansion into surrounding residential and coastal neighborhoods. Seasonal trends showed late-spring introductions followed by peak abundance mid-summer and early fall. Environmental conditions and urban landscape features likely contributed to long-term persistence. This study provides the first long-term dataset documenting the decade-long re-emergence of Ae. aegypti in SJC and highlights the importance of sustained surveillance for early detection and operational response planning.