Field efficacy of expanded polystyrene and shredded waste polystyrene beads for mosquito control in artificial pools and field trials, Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

Concerns about traditional chemical pesticides has led to increasing research into novel mosquito control methods. This study compared the effectiveness of 2 different types of polystyrene beads for control of mosquito larvae in south-east Islamic Republic of Iran. Simulated field trials were done in artificial pools and field trials were carried out in 2 villages in an indigenous malaria area using WHO-recommended methods. Application of expanded polystyrene beads or shredded, waste polystyrene chips to pool surfaces produced a significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment density of mosquitoes (86% and 78% reduction respectively 2 weeks after treatment). There was no significant difference between the efficacy of the 2 types of material. The use of polystyrene beads as a component of integrated vector management with other supportive measures could assist in the control of mosquito-borne diseases in the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighbouring countries. RÉSUMÉ Les préoccupations concernant les pesticides chimiques traditionnels ont conduit à intensifier la recherche sur de nouvelles méthodes de lutte contre les moustiques. La présente étude a comparé l'efficacité de deux types de billes de polystyrène dans la lutte antilarvaire dans le sud-est de la République islamique d'Iran. Les simulations d'essais sur le terrain ont été réalisées dans des bassins artificiels alors que les essais sur le terrain ont été menés dans deux villages d'une zone où le paludisme est autochtone, avec des méthodes recommandées par l'Organisation mondiale de la Santé. L'application de billes de polystyrène expansé ou de copeaux de polystyrène recyclé sur la surface des bassins a entraîné une différence significative entre la densité des moustiques avant et après le traitement (86% et 78% de réduction respectivement après deux semaines de traitement). Il n'y avait pas de différence significative entre l'efficacité des deux types de matériaux. L'utilisation de billes de polystyrène en tant que composante de la gestion intégrée des vecteurs avec d'autres mesures d'appui pourrait contribuer à la lutte contre les maladies transmises par des moustiques en République islamique d'Iran et dans les pays voisins.‫املتوسط‬ ‫لرشق‬ ‫الصحية‬ ‫املجلة‬ ‫عرش‬ ‫الثامن‬ ‫املجلد‬ ‫العارش‬ ‫العدد‬ 1043

Semi-field and field studies on the efficacy of monomolecular surface film (Agnique®) against immature mosquitoes in the malarious areas of Iran

“…In Iran, this mosquito-borne disease is one of the health priorities [32]. Larviciding is one of the most effective methods of vector control, especially in areas that have restricted breeding places for mosquitoes, such as southern parts of Iran [1].…”

“…To date, many methods are being used for mosquito control in Iran. Depending on the situation, source reduction, biocontrol (Bacillus thuringiensis and larvivorous fishes), larviciding, or adulticiding may be used to manage mosquito populations [1,29].…”

“…The stored water provides ideal conditions for mosquito habitats [1]. Various re-emerged malaria epidemics have occurred in different cities of Iran in the recent years [25,26].…”

“…Despite extensive efforts to control mosquitoes, the prevalence rates of these diseases are still on the rise in different tropical and subtropical parts around the world [1]. Therefore, it is necessary to control mosquitoes in these areas in order to reduce the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases [1][2][3].…”

Monitoring ofPlasmodiuminfection in humans and potential vectors of malaria in a newly emerged focus in southern Iran

“…Thus, a full understanding of environmental aspects can be a main factor in malaria control strategies. Therefore, it is vital to understand the distribution and infection of anopheline mosquitoes in different areas before management of any vector control programs [10].…”