Why Larviciding is critical in an integrated Malaria Vector Control Programme

Larviciding is the process of killing mosquito larvae before they have a chance to mature into adults. This can be done using a variety of methods.

Larviciding is a critical part of malaria vector control programmes in Africa as it can help to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes that can transmit the disease. This is particularly important in areas where there is a considerable risk of malaria transmission and at specific times of the year such as before and during rainy seasons when mosquito populations can explode.

When applying to water tables or wetlands(water sources), it is important to use a non-toxic and bio-degradable product like Regent Laboratories LARVEX 100™ which uses natural oils (a mono molecular oil film) and when dispersed onto the surface of the water spreads to form a meniscus on the water that stops Mosquito eggs,( especially for the anopheles species that lay eggs singly,) from falling into the water; and also starves mosquito larvae by preventing it from breaking the oil film surface to get air.

The other biological product is Bti granules (Bacillus thuringiensis israensis var. presented as WG (water soluble granules) or WDG (water dispensable granules).

The Bti bacterium produces a protein crystal which is toxic only to mosquito larvae. Mosquito larvae ingest these microscopic crystals when they are feeding. The crystals then dissolve and are converted into toxic protein molecules that destroy the walls of the mosquito larvae's stomach. The larvae usually stop feeding within hours and die within days.

The results can be dramatic and form a critical element of any mosquito control programme alongside indoor residual spraying, fogging and the use of long-lasting insecticide-impregnated bed nets. The World Health Organisation has said that it can reduce cases of malaria by up to 90%. s\

For smaller areas such as rain gutters, discarded tyres, ornamental ponds, puddles, roadside ditches and tyre tracks, there is another form of larvicide that can be used. BugStop™ Chlorpyriphos 48 EC is an Emulsifiable concentrate dispensed at dosage of 11-25gram/ha of active ingredient.

However, larviciding alone is not enough to effectively control malaria in Africa. vector control programmes need to be supported by other measures, such as indoor residual spraying, fogging, the use of long-lasting insecticide-impregnated bed nets, operator training, public education and early diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases.

Regent Laboratories, collaborating with accredited regional partners, provide a truly integrated approach to vector control. They have been working in Africa for over 20 years and are a key stakeholder in various vector control programmes for mosquitoes, rats, cockroaches, and other bugs.

Through extensive and regional experience, they have devised vector programmes that are tailored to the environment of mines and agricultural sites. The programmes consist of:

• A detailed site survey to identify breeding grounds of mosquitoes, walls that need to be sprayed, and areas that need to be fogged.

• Development of a fully integrated malaria vector control programme which will include a full costing of the needs of the mine or agriculture areas, as well as local communities impacted.

• The identification, selection, and supply of the correct products for the activity and suitable for the environment.

• Training for all operators on the use of larvicides and insecticides, ensuring that products are not wasted and used effectively.

• A plan to collaborate with the company and local health officials and the provision of educational material.

• Identification of sites to distribute the long-lasting insecticide-impregnated bed nets.

• The entire workforce for the mine to have option of personal protection cream/lotion requirements established and made available.

Please contact us to set up an initial conversation to determine what malaria control outcomes you want to achieve.

Either call us on +27 11 452-3246 or +27 72 292 7041 or click on this link to go to our contact page on http://www.RegentLaboratories.com/contact