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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
15:03
Building a Better Mosquito: Identifying the Genes Enabling Malaria and Dengue Fever Resistance in A. gambiae and A. aegypti Mosquitoes
Published on: July 4, 2007
Changes in house design reduce exposure to malaria mosquitoes
S W Lindsay1, M Jawara, K Paine
1Institute of Ecosystem Science, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, UK. s.w.lindsay@durham.ac.uk
Tropical Medicine & International Health : TM & IH
|June 7, 2003
Summary
Installing ceilings in homes significantly reduced malaria mosquito entry in rural Gambia. Different ceiling types, including netting and screens, were effective, offering potential for integrated malaria control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Public Health
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- House design influences exposure to malaria vectors.
- Understanding vector behavior within homes is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of house modifications in reducing malaria mosquito entry.
- To assess the impact of ceilings and closed eaves on Anopheles gambiae and Mansonia spp. populations.
Main Methods:
- A randomized-controlled study was conducted in experimental huts in rural Gambia.
- Five interventions were tested: plywood, synthetic-netting, insecticide-treated netting, plastic insect-screen ceilings, and closed eaves.
- Mosquito entry was monitored for Anopheles gambiae and Mansonia spp.
Main Results:
- All tested ceiling types significantly reduced house entry by Anopheles gambiae.
- Plastic insect-screen ceilings showed the highest reduction (80%), followed by synthetic-netting (79%) and insecticide-treated netting (78%).
- Closed eaves reduced entry by 37%.
Conclusions:
- House ceilings, particularly netting and screens, are effective in reducing malaria vector entry.
- These interventions may act as decoy traps, diverting mosquitoes to the roof space.
- Ceilings show promise for malaria control, especially in areas with low to moderate transmission and when combined with other strategies.
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