Control of Anopheles stephensi breeding in construction sites and abandoned overhead tanks with Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis.

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (H-14), strain 164 (Bactoculicide) when applied at 1 g/m2 surface area successfully controlled Anopheles stephensi breeding in construction sites, abandoned overhead tanks, and curing waters. Subsequent to application, no pupal production was observed in these habitats for 3, 18, and 21 days, respectively. Based on these findings, inclusion of Bactoculicide in the bioenvironmental vector control strategy is suggested and fortnightly spraying in construction sites at 1 g/m2 surface area is recommended for the containment of vector breeding. However, frequent retreatment of abandoned overhead tanks would be uneconomical and operationally impractical.