Efficacy of certain conventional and non‐conventional insecticides against a vector of dengue fever, the Aedes aegypti Mosquito in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Dengue fever (DF) was originally discovered and registered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the premises of the Jeddah governate (province) during 1994. Currently there is no vaccine against this type of dengue virus, however, the most practical methods of suppression and control of this fatal disease are confined to the control of its vector. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of six types of conventional pesticides of the pyrethroid (Icon 2.5% and Residex C-10EC), organophosphorous (Rizfin 50% EC and Keen 600EC) and biocide (Bacilod and VectoMax) groups against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, as well as four pesticides in the insect growth regulators (IGR) groups (In 2 Mix and Starycide) and the plant oils group (lemon oil and peppermint oil). Taking the LC 50 values (the concentration required for killing 50% of the individuals) into consideration, larvae of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes exhibited more susceptibility to Icon 2.5% (0.023 ppm) than Rizfin (0.032 ppm), Residex C-10EC (0.05 ppm), Keen (0.052 ppm), VectoMax FG (0.115 ppm) and Bacilod (0.174 ppm) by approximately 1.39, 2.18, 2.26, 5.1 and 7.6 fold, respectively. Based on the IC 50 values (the concentration that prevents the emergence of 50% of adults), the IGR In 2 Mix (IC 50 = 0.0023 ppm) revealed more larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti than did Starycide 480 SC (0.0047 ppm), lemon oil (11.842 ppm) and peppermint oil (17.213 ppm) by approximately 2.04, 5.15 and 7.5 fold, respectively. The differences in susceptibility levels can be attributed to the mode of action and the nature of the active ingredients of each pesticide. Generally, these bioassay tests are of great importance to provide reference for mosquito control managers and make informed decisions on the best usage of insecticides.

Larvicidal effects of some essential oils against Aedes aegypti (L.), the vector of dengue fever in Saudi Arabia

“…This is in addition to the challenges represented by old and emerging diseases ( Al-Hakimi et al, 2022 , WHO, 2000 ). Larvicidal activity largely depends on the use of synthetic insecticides such as organophosphates, pyrethroids, and insect growth regulators ( Algamdi and Mahyoub, 2022 ). By using these insecticides we can effectively control the pest but their frequent use has become a danger to the biological ecosystems and thus the widespread development of resistance ( Al-Hakimi et al, 2022 , Hedin et al, 1997 ).…”

Biosynthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Senna alexandrina Miller extract against Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

“…Most control programs focus on conventional insecticides; suppression and control of the fatal disease is laid squarely on the control of its vectors. Widespread use of conventional insecticides to control mosquitoes have not only resulted in the development of resistance in many species of mosquito vectors, but have also caused environmental pollution (Algamdi & Mahyoub 2022a; Algamdi & Mahyoub 2022b). One of the most efficient strategies to control vector‐borne diseases is to disrupt the life cycle of the vectors.…”

Prevalence of dengue fever in Saudi Arabia: Jeddah as a case study

“…Efforts must focus on reducing transmission and ensuring the health and safety of the population during this difficult period. Many studies have been conducted to discuss the issue of DF and the factors contributing to its prevalence in SA in general and Jeddah in particular, for example (Fakeeh & Zaki 2001, 2003Khan et al 2008;Kholedi et al 2012;Khormi & Kumar 2012aAl-Azraqi et al 2013;Alwafi et al 2013;Alzahrani et al 2013;Aziz et al 2014;Alhaeli et al 2016;Alshabi et al 2022) and some others have discussed ways to control dengue vectors using some natural products, for example (Özcan & Chalchat 2005;Tauil 2014;Mahyoub et al 2016Mahyoub et al , 2018Mendes et al 2017;Algamdi & Mahyoub 2022;Aljameeli 2023). However, very few studies have discussed the epidemiological history of dengue fever in Jeddah since its inception.…”