Integrated control of mosquitoes

Abstract

Control of mosquitoes is based at present primarily on the use of chemicals. Certain larvivorous fish such as the mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, have also been used to some extent; a bibliography of 719 references was recently compiled on them. Unfortunately, some of these fish feed just as readily on the eggs of economically important fresh-water fish as on mosquito larvae. Malarial control rests on the use of a persistent, synthetic organic pesticide (usually DDT) sprayed solely on the inner walls of all dwellings in a malarial eradication zone. The current feelings regarding the hazards of using DDT recklessly should not be allowed to ban its use in regions where such banning might lead to widespread distress and a great many deaths. We would certainly prefer biological control of mosquitoes to the use of insecticides, but such methods are not yet perfected. A pilot control project in the Tokelau Islands against the vector for filariasis, Aedes polynesiensis, using the fungus, Coelomomyces, gave rather indeterminate results. We still lack a single technique involving a biotic agent commercially available in standardized formulations and properly cleared for field use by agricultural and health authorities, which will give a predictable level of control against even one specific mosquito vector. © 1970 by the American Society of Zoologists.