Esbiothrin-impregnated ropes as mosquito repellent

Abstract

Esbiothrin [(+/-)-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxocylopent-2-enyl-(+)-trans- chrysanthemate] is an improved isomeric composition of allethrin series and consists essentially of esters of chrysanthemic acid and allethrolone. Jute rope was impregnated with esbiothrin and the smoke from smouldering ropes was evaluated as mosquito repellent in human dwellings and cattlesheds with open doors and windows at different dosages. Esbiothrin-impregranted (500 ppm) ropes prevented the entry of more than 95% An. culicifacles and other anophelines, 90.9-88.8% Culex quinquefasciatus and 96-95.1% total mosquitoes in open rooms of houses and cattlesheds respectively. The impact of ropes was more pronounced on the biting rate of mosquitoes. Indoors and outdoors human baits seated at a distance of about 3 m from smouldering esbiothrin ropes experienced no bite at all from An. culicifacies. An iron mesh around the rope prevents fire hazards.