Aquatain™, monomolecular surface film for mosquito control in unused wells breeding site

Water collections in Qalyubiya villages are
providing suitable breeding habitats for mosquitoes including canals, unused
wells (sakia pits), pools, ditches, and drainages. The impact of Aquatain™, a
monomolecular surface film against nature population of mosquito larvae and
pupae was tested in the unused wells in Dajwa village, Qalyubiya Governorate,
Egypt. Monomolecular films are used for mosquito control because of their
suffocating effect on larvae and pupae. Aquatain™ was applied according to
recommended dose in six unused wells. The results showed that Aquatain had a
long-lasting effect on mosquito population at a dose of 1 ml/m² and
0.5 ml/m², where it caused 100% and 97.9% larval reduction after 3
days post-treatment, respectively. While, pupal reduction reached 100% after 1
and 3 days post-treatment, respectively. Larval mortality ranged from 85.7% to
41.1% at 0.5 ml/m² and 93.8% to 66.4% at 1 ml/m². Pupal
mortality ranged from 98.6% to 65.6% and 100% to 78.3% at 0.5 ml/m²
and 1 ml/m², respectively. Among the larval instar, 4^th
larval instar was more susceptible to Aquatain (93.9%), while 1^st
larval instar was less susceptible to Aquatain (29%) at both doses. We noted
the Aquatain™ was more effective at 1 ml/m² than 0.5 ml/m²
in mosquito reduction with stability for 15 days post-treatment. The results
indicated that Aquatain provides a sufficient larval and pupal control in wide
mosquito breeding habitats.