Project ITCH: Cross-sectional surveys to understand residential vector control attitudes and practices across New England

Abstract Objective To understand the attitudes and prevalence of peridomestic vector control across New England, and to identify factors associated with self-reported residential vector control uptake. Methods An online-based survey captured 4,957 responses from households across New England in 2023 and 2024. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to quantify factors, including attitudes towards ticks and mosquitoes, motivations for vector control, and property characteristics, that are associated with total household residential vector control practices. Results The majority of respondents reported using at least one household-level vector control intervention in 2023 (88%) and 2024 (93%). Overall, higher levels of concern for ticks, mosquitoes, and mosquito-borne disease showed a gradient-response and were associated with statistically significant increasing rates of peridomestic vector control; however, concern for tick-borne disease was not associated with vector control usage (p-values > 0.05). After adjustment for socio-economics, yard size, property type, and levels of concern, Maine and Vermont both had lower incidence rates of total vector control interventions compared to the rest of New England [(aIRR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.84 to 0.93; p-value = <0.001), (aIRR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.82 to 0.96; p-value = 0.002), respectively]. Finally, protecting the health of family members had a strong association with peridomestic vector control uptake. Conclusions This study reveals factors associated with increased uptake of peridomestic vector control, including levels of concern, state of residence, and primary motivation for vector control use. Results support previous evidence and fill in gaps in geographic spread and the vector control interventions assessed. Future theory-based programming can help close gaps and increase uptake of peridomestic vector control. Policy implications : Differentials exist in state-level uptake of residential vector control interventions; mosquito-borne disease but not tick-borne disease, and protecting health of family members are associated with increasing rates of peridomestic vector control. Health promotion programs should incorporate these aspects in materials to foster appropriate levels of concern for all vector-borne diseases.