Release of Chemosterilized Males for the Control of Anopheles Albimanus in El Salvador

Abstract

The release of ca. 4.3 million chemosterilized males of Anopheles albimanus Wiedemann at Lake Apastepeque in El Salvador over a 5-month period resulted in a 99% reduction in the level of the indigenous population of this species from both larval and adult assays. The maximum reduction occurred in September and October, when the natural population normally reaches its highest level. After the cessation of the releases, the population required 4 months to recover to a normal density. The applicability of the sterile male release technique for control of this mosquito population was demonstrated.