Senior Field Biologist Clarke Mosquito Control Products, California, United States
Abstract: Spinosad, a naturally derived larvicide with a novel mode of action, has been a cornerstone of public health mosquito control for over 15 years. Clarke's Natular® product line, introduced in 2009 and manufactured exclusively using Qalcova™ brand Spinosad, has provided vector control professionals with critical rotation options distinct from bacterial larvicides and insect growth regulators.
Recognizing that long-term efficacy depends on proactive stewardship rather than reactive crisis management, Clarke has launched the Spinosad Stewardship Initiative with three core goals: (1) training vector control district staff in standardized susceptibility testing protocols; (2) establishing and monitoring baseline susceptibility data across diverse operational environments; and (3) identifying and intercepting early signs of reduced sensitivity in field populations.
This initiative represents industry-leading product stewardship that users should expect from all product manufacturers across active ingredients. As resistance threatens the sustainability of all chemical control tools, proactive monitoring, transparent data sharing, and collaborative intervention strategies must become standard practice industry-wide. Attendees will learn the testing methodology, review current baseline data, and understand how to advocate for similar stewardship programs across all active ingredients, ensuring mosquito control programs preserve efficacy for future generations.
