Innovating Urban Mosquito Control: Introducing Human-Controlled Breeding Sites as a Component of Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM)

BackgroundUrbanization and climate change exacerbate mosquito-borne disease transmission by expanding mosquito habitats in densely populated areas. Traditional mosquito control methods, such as eliminating breeding sites or using insecticides, face challenges in urban settings due to practicality and resistance issues. This study introduces Human-Controlled Breeding Sites (HCBS), a novel, low-cost, and environmentally friendly mosquito control method tailored for urban and suburban households. HCBS provides controlled oviposition sites to attract gravid female mosquitoes, disrupting their reproductive cycle without chemical deterrents. MethodsThe HCBS method involves deploying devices designed to mimic natural breeding sites, encouraging mosquitoes to lay eggs in a controlled environment. After 10 days, eggs, larvae, and pupae are collected and destroyed. The HCBS device, fabricated using 3D-printed ABS material in five colors (white, black, red, green, blue), was tested in a semi-controlled laboratory in La Molina, Peru. The experiment evaluated oviposition preferences of Aedes aegypti by counting larvae and pupae across five 10-day cycles, with device colors randomized to minimize bias. ResultsHCBS devices successfully attracted gravid Aedes aegypti for oviposition, with green devices showing the highest initial preference (2-17 larvae/pupae per cycle), though larvae were later observed in all colors, indicating color is not essential. The method achieved 100% effectiveness in disrupting the mosquito life cycle by eliminating eggs, larvae, and pupae within the 10-day timeframe. The low-cost design and use of household materials enhance its scalability and community engagement potential. ConclusionsHCBS offers a sustainable alternative to conventional mosquito control by targeting early life stages, reducing populations with minimal environmental impact. Its adaptability to household settings and cost-effectiveness make it suitable for urban and suburban areas. Further research is needed to optimize device design, assess long-term efficacy, and integrate HCBS into disaster risk management systems for broader public health applications, particularly in regions like Peru with documented insecticide resistance.