A recent scientific study conducted in a semi-natural setting discovered an innovative method for eliminating mosquitoes in houses during disease outbreaks. By specifically targeting the very bottom portion of the walls with insecticide, researchers found that they could effectively kill a significant portion of mosquitoes, making the process more affordable and easier to implement. The results of the study have been published in the renowned journal PNAS Nexus.
Aedes aegypti, the type of mosquito responsible for transmitting severe diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, often resides inside homes. To combat this issue, previous approaches have included indoor residual spraying, which involves coating the interior walls with a long-lasting insecticide. However, this method requires covering a large surface area, making it costly and impractical.
To address this challenge, Luca Facchinelli and his team aimed to identify a more targeted “kill zone” for indoor residual spraying. Through a series of experiments using sticky strips positioned at varying heights on the walls, they observed the preferred resting areas for mosquitoes. The majority of the mosquitoes chose to rest near the floor, with a significant concentration in the first 20 centimeters of the wall, accounting for approximately 12.3% of the total wall surface.
The researchers also found that the resting height of the mosquitoes correlated with the room temperature. Lower parts of the room tend to be cooler, which attracts mosquitoes. By focusing on spraying this bottommost zone, which is preferably colored black as Aedes aegypti mosquitoes have a preference for dark surfaces, estimations suggest that over 85% of the mosquitoes in the house could be eliminated.
According to the authors, individual householders can easily apply insecticidal paint or use a handheld aerosol can to treat this specific and easily accessible zone. This affordable and convenient solution empowers individuals to take control of mosquito elimination efforts within their own homes.
For more information:
Luca Facchinelli et al, Mapping Aedes aegypti indoor resting behavior reveals a preference vulnerable to householder-led vector control, PNAS Nexus (2023). DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad226
Citation:
Spraying just 12% of the room kills 85% of mosquitoes, study shows (2023, July 26)
retrieved 26 July 2023
from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-spraying-room-mosquitoes.html
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