Larvicides employ various modes of action to control mosquito larvae:
Biological Larvicides: These larvicides contain naturally occurring bacteria (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, Bacillus sphaericus) or fungi (e.g., Lagenidium giganteum) that produce toxins lethal to mosquito larvae when ingested.
Chemical Larvicides: Chemical larvicides, such as synthetic insect growth regulators (IGRs) or organophosphates, disrupt the development of mosquito larvae, preventing them from reaching adulthood.
Physical Larvicides: Some larvicides, such as oils or monomolecular films, create a physical barrier on the water surface, suffocating mosquito larvae by blocking their access to oxygen.
Integrated Larvicidal Strategies
Effective larvicidal programs often involve a combination of larvicides with larval habitat management, community engagement, and surveillance efforts. This integrated approach maximizes the impact of larvicides while minimizing environmental risks and promoting sustainable pest management practices.
