The Future of Bacterial Control of Mosquito and Black Fly Larvae

Abstract

Within the span of approximately a decade, the chemical control of mosquitoes and black flies has shifted markedly from a reliance on synthetic insecticides toward an increasing usage of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (B. t. i.); pending full registration and commercial availability of Bacillus sphaericus, this bacteria undoubtedly will join B.t.i. as an operational alternative to synthetic materials for mosquito control. The development of these two bacteria as control agents has been extremely rapid and is dependent on a variety of factors, especially the continuing research efforts dealing with subjects in this volume. Indeed, preparation of this volume has, to a degree, been a contest—a contest for the authors to be aware of and report on recent advances in their research as well as that of other scientists. Other factors, such as resistance to synthetic insecticides and associated environmental concerns, are supporting the research focused on these bacteria and their future development. Many professional vector-control personnel view these agents as solutions to such problems. However, this situation is somewhat reminiscent of the time in 1943–1944 when, with the shortage of pyrethrum and derris, DDT was rapidly investigated and manufactured for the control of arthropod disease vectors. At that time, the value of DDT led Sir Ian M. Heilbron, chemical advisor to the Ministry of Production in Great Britain, to state that “the discovery of DDT indubitably heralds a new era in man’s ceaseless fight for mastery against disease” (West and Campbell 1952).