Toxorhynchites amboinensis larvae released in domestic containers fail to control dengue vectors in a rural village in central Java

Abstract

The efficacy of Toxorhynchites amboinensis larvae for control of dengue vectors in household water storage containers was tested in a rural village in Central Java, Indonesia. Concrete cisterns and clay jars were the most common types of containers used for long-term water storage, although smaller numbers of metal drums were also used. All containers in use in the village received 5-10 second- or third-instar Tx. amboinensis larvae biweekly for 7 months. Vector surveillance (adult and larval) was conducted biweekly between treatments. No differences in man-biting rates or larval population indices were noted between the treatment and control areas. It is hypothesized that the multiplicity of larval habitats in this rural area accounted for the lack of impact of predator releases, which were directed solely toward artificial containers.