The Control of Aedes aegypti larvae by Physical Method

Abstract

The purpose of this post-test two-group study was to compare the outcomes of two methods of breeding preventing of Aedes aegypti larvae in home setting. It was reported that most of the larvae (70.82%) were found in water tanks or containers such as jars, concrete tanks, water containers in bath rooms. Two control methods were experimented in two groups. In a control group, a conventional practice of using larvicide (abate sand granules or temephos) and guppy fish Poecitia reticulata with lids closed was employed. In an experiment group, larvae control was by continuous wave movement on its surface with dripping tap water from a faucet. Furthermore, to deter Aedes aegypti from laying eggs, move sunlight was enhanced by changing some part of ordinary roof covering material into transparent slate. As such, the heat and light plus physical movement of the water did not accomodate a reproduction of Aedes aegypti. Each group covered 100 households in the same village in two separate clusters during January 5 - March 31, 2009 (12 weeks). Data were presented in frequency and percentage.

It was reported that the physical method was more effective as measured by Container Index (CI) and Breteau Index (BI). The CI was cut down from 64.49 in the control group to 1.83 in the experiment group whereas the BI was 69 in the control and 2.00 in the experiment.

It was concluded that the physical method has created unaccommodating environment for Aedes aegypti and disrupt its lifecycle by a combination of physical mechanisms of water movement, light and heat. This control measure is recommended as complementary where possible particularly in rainy season.