Effective Aedes mosquito reduction through In2Care interventions in an extreme environment

Area of Science:

• Medical entomology
• Integrated vector management
• Environmental science

Background:

• Aedes aegypti mosquitoes pose significant public health risks.
• Current control methods like pesticide fogging have limitations.
• Innovative strategies are needed for effective mosquito population reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of In2Care traps against Aedes aegypti in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• To assess the potential of In2Care traps as an alternative to traditional pesticide-based control methods.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of In2Care traps containing pyriproxyfen (insect growth regulator) and Beauveria bassiana (entomopathogen).
• Monitoring of trap positivity and mosquito emergence from breeding containers over 8 weeks.
• Comparison of intervention areas with control areas in Jeddah's challenging climate.

Main Results:

• A 39% reduction in positive traps observed in the intervention area during the unfavorable season.
• Complete inhibition of adult mosquito emergence from In2Care traps.
• Significant reductions (30-52%) in mosquito populations at multiple sites, with sustained effects.
• One site showed no reduction due to a significantly larger initial mosquito population.

Conclusions:

• In2Care traps demonstrate significant potential for reducing Aedes aegypti populations in Jeddah.
• The technology offers a promising, non-pesticidal alternative for integrated mosquito management.
• Sustained reductions suggest long-term effectiveness, even after monitoring cessation.