Surfactant-Based Strategies for Mosquito Larvae and Pupae Management

Abstract

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases remain a major global public health challenge, necessitating environmentally sustainable vector-control strategies such as biosurfactant-based disruption of mosquito larval and pupal development in aquatic habitats. Aims: To reveal the effectivity of biosurfactant above water surface to prevent larvae and pupa of mosquito to obtain oxygen and blocking their breathing tubes, and also their effect to the environment. Results: Surfactants, including specialized larviciding oils and Silicone-based products, kill mosquito larvae and pupae by reducing the water's surface tension, causing them to drown by blocking their breathing tubes. These films prevent larvae/pupae from breaking the surface to breathe, often providing 100% mortality within hours. Larvicide surfactants are used to control mosquito populations, but unfortunately, their environmental impact varies depending on whether they are synthetic or biological, and what is feared ranging from potential, temporary aquatic disruption to eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives. Studies showed that biosurfactants often exhibit low toxicity to non-target organisms, such as vegetables, seeds, and microcrustaceans, making them a "green" option for mosquito larva and pupae management Conclusion: Surfactants larvicide are widely considered non-invasive, eco-friendly, and sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides. They are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), biodegradable, and low in toxicity to humans, animals, and the environment.