Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, zika, yellow fever all has been a global concern. The increasing rates of larvicide resistance in mosquito larval populations have become a persistent contest for a vector control program. The study focuses on the evaluation and comparison of the larvicide efficacy of three major categories of larvicides, i.e., natural, biological, and synthetic, that are commonly used worldwide in order to control the mosquito populations. In the present research work, mosquito larvae samples were collected from a pond near Sultanpur National Park, Gurugram, by making use of sweep net and dip methods. The sample was then transferred to the lab on the same day as collection. The natural larvicidal agents comprised the use of two formulations, one combining the oils of Brassica campestris and Trachyspermum ammi with naphthalene, while another included the use of camphor along with kerosene oil. The biological method involved the use of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), while the two organophosphates, malathion and chlorpyrifos, were chosen as synthetic larvicides. All treatments involved the use of 10 µl/ml as a fixed stock concentration. The stock solution was then serially diluted. The test was conducted under controlled conditions following the WHO guidelines for the mosquito larval bioassays. The third and fourth instar mosquito larvae were exposed to each treatment for a 24-hour duration initially. No food was given to the larvae till the completion of the work. Synthetic larvicide exhibits greater mortality within a shorter time than the other two. Although synthetic larvicides act rapidly but these have no long-term utility and are less ecofriendly and sustainable whereas the natural larvicides act slowly as compared to the synthetic larvicides, but these offer more stronger and great lasting impact. The biological larvicide Bti act as a reliable, eco-friendly larvicide having gradual and balance larvicidal properties. This study significantly contributes to the field of effective and successful vector control programs without harming the environment.