Mosquito larvicidal trap (MLT) as surveillance and control tool for Aedes mosquitoes

Issue Date

7-2016

Abstract

The larvicidal potential and ovipositional effect of an insect growth regulator, 2% Novaluron (Mosquiron), in an oviposition trap or ovitrap on dengue mosquito vectors were determined under field condition. The set-up is hereafter referred to as Mosquito Larvicidal Trap (MLT). This MLT is a modification of an ovitrap utilized by De Las Llagas et al (2002, 2007, 2012) in all dengue mosquito surveillance and control studies in the Philippines. Variation entails mixing 40 parts per million (ppm) of an insect growth regulator (2% Novaluron), proven to have an attractant effect in an ovitrap clean water. The study was conducted from July 2012 to June 2013 in Barangay Batong Malake and Barangay San Antonio in Los Baños, Laguna, both places known as endemic sites for dengue transmission. The MLTs were installed and serviced every three weeks inside each household. Two hundred twenty households per study site were installed with MLT. Efficacy of MLT as a surveillance tool was measured against the conventional inspection of containers with water and the classical ovitrap. The Breteau Index (BI), Ovitrap Index (OI), and MLT positive for immatures of mosquito were determined. Breteau and ovitrap indices are known entomological indicators depicting the level of household mosquito infestation. The MLT as an autocidal/larvicidal trap was gauged in terms of its relative attractiveness to ovipositing mosquitoes compared to other containers and the classical ovitrap. Results showed that MLT was more attractive to Aedes for egg deposition than ovitrap or other containers inside the house. The mean MLT found positive with mosquito was 70.5% in Batong Malake while the OI was 53.5%. In San Antonio, the MLT was 56.6% compared to 50.4% OI. The added Novaluron increased the attractiveness to female mosquitoes to lay their eggs and has killing effect on the larvae. The findings indicate that MLT is more attractive than containers or ovitraps as oviposition medium. It is also lethal to the deposited eggs. Moreover, MLT prevented pupal development, indicating its autocidal activity to larvae. Thus, MLT prevents adult emergence by preventing pupal development. In conclusion, the use of MLT as an integral component of dengue vector control program will enhance reduction in density of mosquitoes at immature stages thus lessening dependency on adulticiding efforts. With the threat of vertical and transstadial dengue transmission in nature, managing the vector at its youngest developmental stage must be done.

Source or Periodical Title

Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health

ISSN

0125-1562

Volume

47

Issue

4

Page

701-711

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations, graphs

Language

English

Subject

Aedes spp, Dengue, Mosquito larvicidal trap, Ovitrap, Philippines, Surveillance and attractant tool

Digital Copy

yes

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