Abstract

CONTROL OF DENGUE VECTOR AEDES AEGYPTI USING HOUSEHOLD DISINFECTANTS

Saroj Bapna*, Trupti Satvekar and Mira Ramaiya

Abstract

The mosquito Aedes aegypti is responsible for transmitting dengue virus. These mosquitoes are associated with the living spaces of humans. They generally spend their entire lives in and around the houses where their eggs hatched. Accessing indoor larval habitats of Ae. Aegypti to apply larvicides is a major limitation in many urban contexts. Keeping this in mind the present study was aims to evaluate the potential of different household disinfectants to check Aedes mosquito larvae in domestic environment. Susceptibility of early fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti was evaluated to each of five selected household disinfectants (Mopz ™, Lizol, Dettol, Savlon, Sterillium® hand Sanitizer) using WHO standard protocol.Out of five disinfectants only mopzTM and Lizol demonstrated promising larvicidal activity with 100% mortality below 0.04 % concentration followed by Dettol the same activity at 0.08% concentration. Savlon and hand sanitizer Sterillium®, were not found effective against larvae. The promising larvicidal activity obtained with Mopz ™, Lizol and Dettol, which are easily available in market and very convenient to use makes them important measures for Aedes control. Further research is needed to develop a handy household larvicidal agent for safe domestic use.

Keywords: Aedes aegypti, Dengue, Disinfectant, Larvae, Larvicide.