Larvicides are an important component for integrated mosquito control efforts. They are an effective tool to reduce larval habitat which is critical for mosquito reproduction.
For testing of larvicide we follow the WHO guidelines for Laboratory and Field testing of mosquito larvicides. Mosquito larvae are exposed to different concentrations of the larvicide and mortality is recorded over time.
The data produced in these experiments are used to calculate the LC50 (lethal concentration that kills 50% of all mosquito larvae in 24 hrs) and the LC90. This information can be used to determine how much larvicide should be used for treating mosquito larval habitat as well as for determining levels of larvicide resistance in specific populations of mosquitoes.
