Assessment of the residual toxicity to Anopheles gambiae of the organophosphorus insecticides Malathion and Baytex

Abstract

As part of a WHO programme to evaluate possible substitutes for the chlorinated hydrocarbons to which anopheline mosquitos in many countries have become resistant, two organophosphorus insecticides, malathion and Baytex, were tested as residual sprays on various types of surface against Anopheles gambiae adults in experimental huts at Magugu in Tanganyika. The long-lasting toxicity of both insecticides on relatively impervious surfaces was confirmed, but-as is the case with the chlorinated hydrocarbons-shorter persistence was obtained on sorptive surfaces. As most of the mosquitos rested on the roof, its surface was of much greater importance than the wall surface in determining kill; trials with naturally entering mosquitos indicated that where the roof was of grass malathion was to be preferred to Baytex. Observations confirmed that control huts attracted far more mosquitos than the treated huts and that the insecticide vapour apparently masked the human odour.