Advances in Mosquito Control: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Mosquitoes are the important global vectors transmitting diseases of human concern such as dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria, encephalitis and yellow fever, etc. Management of mosquito-borne diseases largely relies on the vector management because of the lack of effective medication and vaccination. Several strategies have been formulated and applied in the fields to control mosquitoes; yet there is a continued rise in mosquito-borne diseases leading to sufferings and morbidities. Presently, chemical interventions are the most preferred methods which has impacted human health and the environment negatively. These issues have created a demand to devise novel approaches which can be used safely and effectively for mosquito management. Thus, several innovative mosquito control interventions have been devised based on genetic, physical and behavioral modifications in mosquitoes. These strategies span from Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Release of Insects Carrying a Dominant Lethal (RIDL), creating transgenics with abnormal and lethal genes, gene drive technology, reducing the vectorial capacity by Wolbachia infection and application of attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB), or by lasers and light detectors to investigate their behavior, and enhance their trap and kill. This Chapter gives a comprehensive overview of the conventional, and novel and innovative techniques devised for the control of mosquito vectors.