Journal of Mosquito Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 204-214 http://emtoscipublisher.com/index.php/jmr 205 2 Historical Background 2.1 Traditional mosquito control techniques Traditional mosquito control methods have primarily relied on chemical insecticides and environmental management. The use of insecticides, such as DDT, has been a cornerstone in reducing mosquito populations and controlling diseases like malaria. However, the widespread use of these chemicals has led to significant issues, including the development of insecticide resistance among mosquito populations and environmental concerns due to the persistence of these chemicals in ecosystems. Additionally, biological control methods, such as introducing natural predators or pathogens to target mosquito larvae, have been explored as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides (Zheng et al., 2019). 2.2 Evolution of mechanical control methods Mechanical control methods have evolved significantly over the years, moving from simple physical barriers to more sophisticated trapping systems. Early mechanical methods included the use of bed nets to physically block mosquitoes from reaching humans. These nets have been enhanced with insecticide treatments to increase their efficacy. For instance, long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have been widely adopted and have shown effectiveness in reducing malaria transmission (Seidou et al., 2023). However, the rise of insecticide resistance has necessitated further innovation. Recent advancements include the development of hybrid mosquito trapping bed nets, such as the PermaNet 2.0, which combines physical trapping with insecticidal action. These nets have shown increased mosquito mortality rates by incorporating an insecticide-free trap compartment, which enhances the mechanical trapping effect (Bouyer et al., 2020). Additionally, the use of odour-baited traps, which attract mosquitoes using synthetic chemical attractants, represents a significant innovation in mechanical control methods. These traps have been successfully implemented in projects like SolarMal, demonstrating their potential to suppress mosquito populations and reduce malaria transmission (Hiscox et al., 2016). 2.3 Development of physical barriers and traps The development of physical barriers and traps has been a critical area of innovation in mosquito control (Guo et al., 2022). Traditional bed nets have been improved with the addition of insecticidal treatments, but the need for non-chemical methods has driven the development of new trapping technologies. For example, the SolarMal project in Kenya utilized solar-powered mosquito traps that emit CO2 and use chemical lures to attract and capture mosquitoes. This method has shown promise in reducing mosquito populations and malaria transmission in targeted areas (Hiscox et al., 2012). Another innovative approach involves the use of electrostatic coatings on netting to enhance the bioavailability of insecticides. This method increases the exposure of mosquitoes to insecticides, even those that have developed resistance, thereby improving the efficacy of existing control tools. Additionally, the integration of sterile insect techniques (SIT) and incompatible insect techniques (IIT) has shown potential in eliminating mosquito populations by releasing sterilized or incompatible males to reduce reproduction rates (Andriessen et al., 2015). Overall, the evolution of mechanical control methods and the development of physical barriers and traps represent significant advancements in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. These innovations offer promising alternatives to traditional chemical-based strategies, addressing the challenges of insecticide resistance and environmental impact (Machani et al., 2022). 3 Types of Physical and Mechanical Methods 3.1 Mosquito traps and attractants Mosquito traps and attractants have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional insecticide-based methods for mosquito control. These traps often utilize attractants such as carbon dioxide, octenol, and synthetic human odors to lure mosquitoes into traps where they are subsequently captured or killed. For instance, a study conducted on Key Island, Florida, evaluated the efficacy of carbon dioxide and octenol-baited traps, demonstrating a reduction in mosquito abundance in resort areas, although the results were not statistically significant (Figure 1) (Knols et al., 2023). Similarly, the Ifakara Odor-Baited Station (OBS) has shown high efficacy in trapping and killing disease-transmitting mosquitoes, including Anopheles arabiensis and Culex species, by using synthetic human odors and insecticides (Kline and Lemire, 1998). Another notable example is
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