Bioefficacy of Skeeter Abate and Spintor on Aanopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes from insecticide resistance areas in Lagos and Oyo States, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The development of resistance in mosquitoes to the insecticide used against them as larvicides and adulticides is an important issue to be considered as difficulty with control would be encountered due to the emergence of insecticide -resistant mosquitoes. Resistance to Organophosphates and Pyrethroids, widely  used to control Mosquitoes is  widespread in Nigeria  . Objectives: This study therefore evaluates the effect of insecticide resistance on the larvicidal activity of Skeeter Abate and Spintor a biopesticide, on Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti.  Methods: Mosquito larvae were collected from five populations where insecticide resistance have been reported in Lagos and Oyo States in Nigeria. They were evaluated at a temperature of 27± 2^oc and R.H. of 70± 10% and a photoperiod of 12:12 (LD). Insecticide resistance was confirmed in the areas by adult susceptibility test using World Health Organization standard procedures. The larval bioassay was conducted at different concentrations of Skeeter Abate and Spintor insecticides. Results: There is a positive correlation between resistance to permethrin in adult mosquitoes and the concentration of Spintor and Skeeter Abate required to effect 99% mortality in the larval samples. All Aedes aegypti species collected from the study sites were 100% susceptible to permethrin. Resistance to permethrin in Anopheles gambiae were low in three sites (Yaba, Ikorodu and Iwo Road) while resistance is suspected in two sites (Lekki and Ojoo). Spintor and Skeeter Abate were effective in the control of the Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti larvae. Conclusion: Insecticide susceptibility tests and resistance surveillance should be conducted before embarking on mosquito control programmes.

Keywords: Insecticide resistance Mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, biopesticide, Spintor and Skeeter Abate.