Comparison of the temporal efficacy of Aquatain surface films for the control of Anopheles arabiensis and Ochlerotatus caspius larvae from Sudan

Aquatain Mosquito Formulation (AMF) is a surfactant that spreads across the surface of water bodies to produce a monomolecular film. This study experimentally evaluates the temporal efficacy of AMF against aquatic stages of Anopheles arabiensis and Ochlerotatus caspius under laboratory conditions. Using the recommended application does of 1ml/m2, a large species specific difference in the median lethal time for L3-L4 larvae was observed. The median lethal time to 50% mortality (LT50) and 90% mortality (LT90) was 1.3 hours, 95% CI [1.2, 1.4] and 3.8 hours, 95% CI [3.6, 4.0] respectively for Oc. caspius. The corresponding values for An. arabiensis was 8.1 hours, 95% CI [7.3, 9.0] and 59.6 hours, 95% CI [48.5, 76.2]. Based on data from published laboratory studies for a total of seven mosquito species drawn from four genera results in the following three groups, [LT50=1-2 hours, Culex quinquefasciatus, Ochlerotatus caspius] [LT50=8-24, hours, Anopheles minimus, Anopheles arabiensis, Anophe...