Background: The Aedes aegypti mosquito is a primary vector for several arboviral diseases, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever, posing significant public health challenges, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Traditional chemical insecticides have been the mainstay for controlling Aedes aegypti populations, but their extensive use has led to the development of insecticide resistance, environmental pollution and adverse effects on non-target organisms. This study explores the potential of sea shell powder as a natural larvicide against Aedes aegypti larvae.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Sea shell powder, derived from the calcified exoskeletons of marine mollusks, was tested for its larvicidal activity against fourth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti at concentrations ranging from 100 to 600 ppm.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results demonstrated a concentration&nbsp;and time-dependent increase in larval mortality, with LC50 values of 407.01 ppm at 24 hours and 327.55 ppm at 48 hours. The findings suggest that sea shell powder could serve as an effective, environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides, offering advantages such as biodegradability, low cost and reduced risk of resistance development. This study supports the potential inclusion of sea shell powder in integrated mosquito management programs, particularly in areas with prevalent insecticide resistance.

Biological Control of Aedes aegypti Larvae using Sea Shell Powder

Background: Aedes aegypti mosquito spreads many vital diseases to humans. Traditionally, chemical insecticides were used for control. Recently, interest has grown in using aquatic predators, such as the Red Starfish (Gomophia egyptiaca), to target mosquito larvae in water, offering a potential biological control method. 
 
Methods: This study investigates the larvicidal potential of G. egyptiaca against Ae. aegypti larvae, a key vector for dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases after 24 hours.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results demonstrate a significant increase in mortality rates with prolonged exposure to G. egyptiaca. After 2 hours, the mortality rate was 6.66%, increasing to 20% at 4 hours, 60% at 12 hours and peaking at 80% after 24 hours. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA revealed a highly significant p-value of 3.93, confirming the effectiveness of G. egyptiaca over time. LT50 was determined to be 14.91 hours, with a confidence interval of 12.40 to 18.65 hours. These findings indicate that G. egyptiaca could serve as a powerful alternative to chemical insecticides, offering a sustainable approach to mosquito control. However, field trials and evaluations of non-target impacts are necessary to fully assess its potential in diverse ecological settings. This study supports the integration of G. egyptiaca into mosquito management strategies, particularly where chemical resistance and environmental concerns are prevalent.

Utilization of Gomophia egyptiaca (Red Starfish) in the Biological Control of Aedes aegypti Larvae

The efficacy of essential oils from some medicinal plants as a larvicidal and pupicidal agent was tested against Aedes albopictus. The oils were extracted from different plant parts (leaves, branches and rhizomes) with Soxhlet apparatus using acetone as a solvent. &nbsp;The mortality was determined after 8, 16, 24 and 48 hours with different concentrations (100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm) along with a control treatment. &nbsp;Data was analysed by Probit analysis to calculate LC50 and LT50. Results revealed that early immature stages were more susceptible than later ones. Ginger was more effective with the lowest LC50 values after 8 and 16 hours against all tested life stages followed by peppermint, basil, eucalyptus and neem. &nbsp;In addition, basil was efficacious after 24 and 48 hours. &nbsp;Therefore, we conclude that these oils can be used in combination for the management of mosquito immature stages.

Biological Control of Aedes aegypti Larvae using Sea Shell Powder

Utilization of Gomophia egyptiaca (Red Starfish) in the Biological Control of Aedes aegypti Larvae

Larvicidal and pupicidal action of medicinal plant extracts against dengue mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae)