Novel method to curb mosquitoes

Nadira Gunatilleke

The Malaria Control Programme has made arrangements to control the mosquito density by sterilizing male mosquitoes using radiation. The Austrian government has provided equipment to initiate the project, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

He said research has commenced on the new method. Many countries such as Austria, US, South Africa use radiation to control mosquitoes. The new system has been used to control insects that destroy fruits.

Male mosquitoes are exposed to radiation and released to the environment. They cannot make female mosquitoes pregnant because of their impotency caused by radiation. The method should be used for about three consecutive years to achieve successful results, he said.

The Malaria Control Programme has commenced breeding mosquitoes in laboratories for the project. They are fed with a vitamin added food powder produced using cow liver. They are also fed with human blood with the use of 'Membrane feeder'. Radiated male mosquitoes will be released to a selected island as a pilot project, he said.