Field studies
Sydney has a warm subtropical climate with a summer average temperature of 25°C. There is heavy pest pressure and good populations for field trials.
Summer is December to February which enables field trials to be carried out in the northern hemisphere winter. Field trails can be carried out all through the year in the tropical north of Australia (Darwin and Cairns).
Studies include:
- German and American cockroach, ants and spiders. These studies involve pre-assessment, spray, bait or gel treatment and post assessment at nominated times e.g. 1 week, 1, 2, 3, and 4 months.
- On-animal field trials (dogs and cats) for fleas and tick control products including systemic products. These are carried out in Cairns where there is heavy year round pest pressure.
- Field trials on repellents on humans against flies, mosquitoes and biting midges – Personal Insect Repellents (PIR’s) and area repellents.
- Area repellency studies against flies, mosquitoes and biting midges. These are coordinated at various sites in the Northern Territory.
- Termites – long term studies to determine residual efficacy of Termiticides including Mastotermes darwiniensis.
Mosquito field repellency study