2. Mosquito control methods and their limitations
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Abstract
Mosquitoes represent the major vectors involved in the spread of deadly diseases like Malaria, Lymphatic filariasis,Chikungunyaand arboviruses like dengue virus and Zika virus. These diseases have emerged with the rise of urbanization and the use of chemical insecticides around the world. The insecticides such as DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), organophosphates, carbamates, and organochlorineshave caused resistance in mosquitoes against typical chemical control methodsthrough excessive use over the years. Different biological control methods aresustainable, eco-friendly and target major diseases spreading mosquito’s species. This review outlines major biological control methods being used ortested in different parts of the world. Some of these are the use of plant extract, Wolbachiaspp, larvivorous fishes, insecticidal bacterial spp, predator mosquitoes and predator copepods.Limitations associated with each method are also discussed.All these methods will givea better understanding of developing an integrated approach for effective mosquitoes control that will reduce dependency on insecticide based approaches.
Keywords: Biological control; Dengue; DDT; Larvivorous fish; Malaria, Mosquitoes, Wolbachia