Effect of controlled burning on survival of floodwater Aedes eggs in Kenya

The effect of controlled burning on the survival of Aedes mosquito eggs was evaluated in 2 distinct dambo habitats. In a dambo dominated by grasses, egg survival was 3.3% after burning compared with 43.8% in a similar dambo that was not burned. In a dambo dominated by sedges, egg survival was 0.7% after burning compared with 28.5% in a similar dambo that was not burned. Mortality of mosquito eggs appeared to be caused by high temperatures associated with the fire and not elapsed time since egg survival did not decrease with time after burning. The potential for burning to control the mosquito vectors of Rift Valley fever virus is discussed.