Semi-field evaluation of the cumulative effects of a “Lethal House Lure” on malaria mosquito mortality

There is growing interest in the potential to modify houses to target mosquitoes with insecticides or repellents as they search for human hosts. One version of this ‘Lethal House Lure’ approach is the In2Care® EaveTube, which consists of a section of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe fitted into a closed eave, with an insert comprising electrostatic netting treated with insecticide powder placed inside the tube. Preliminary evidence suggests that when combined with screening of doors and windows, there is a reduction in entry of mosquitoes and an increase in mortality. However, the rate of overnight mortality remains unclear. The current study used a field enclosure built around experimental huts to investigate the mortality of cohorts of mosquitoes over multiple nights.

Keywords

Vector control, Housing improvement, Mosquito entry, Anopheles gambiae, Screening, Lethal House Lure, Cumulative mortality, Feeding rate, EaveTube