Study on Ultrasonic Waves on Mortality of Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), Vector of West Nile in laboratory condition

Mosquito-borne diseases are serious health problems in many countries around the world, and the widespread distribution of their vectors has a major impact on the transmission and spread of these diseases. Mosquitoes play a key role in transmitting arboviruses such as West Nile, Dengue Fever, Chikungunya, Sindbis, Zika, Rift Valley Fever, Batai virus, Usutu virus, East Horse Encephalitis (EEE), and West Nile Virus (WNV), and also some suspected emerging viral agents, such as SARS-CoV-2 (causative agent of COVID-190) and the Zika Virus in the world.There are several methods for mosquitoes larval control. An important challenge in mosquitoes control programs is their resistance to different groups of insecticides. The ultrasonic device is a novel and natural friendly approach for controlling insecticide resistance mosquitoes.

In this study, Ultrasonic TI-H5 device of Elma Company were used against 4th instar larvae of Culex pipiens under laboratory condition. Different variables including; Electrical power (50,100,200, 250 watts), exposure times (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 15 minutes) at two frequencies of 35, and 130 Kilohertz were employed.

Mortality of 4th instar larvae at 35 KH and different exposure time with specific Electronic power was 100%. In 130 KH with increasing exposure time, the mortality was increased.

Insecticides are one of the causes of environmental and water pollution. Also, due to the resistance of mosquitoes to insecticides, the new safe, cost-effective and effective method in integrated pest management programs is the control of mosquito larvae using ultrasonic waves.