Biting behaviour of medically important mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Peninsular Malaysia

Human-landing catch (HLC) technique was undertaken in nine selected study sites within Peninsular Malaysia to determine the biting cycle of Aedes, Armigeres, Culex, and Mansonia mosquitoes. HLC was conducted 24 hours on three different nights in a duration of one week at each study site. Aedes albopictus were found in all study sites with bimodal biting cycle, whereas the biting peak of Aedes butleri was recorded between 1600 and 1900 hr. For Armigeres, five study sites demonstrated similar biting peak hour (1900 – 2000 hr) for Ar. kesseli four study sites showed biting peak at 1800 – 1900 hr for Ar. subalbatus. Culex quinquefasciatus was collected from all study sites except in Sungai Penchala with its biting activity beginning from 1900 hr. Both Mansonia annulifera and Mansonia uniformis captured in two different study sites showed similar biting peaks (1500 – 1600 hr). It is recommended that vector control activities be carried out at dusk as almost all mosquito species captured started their biting activities at that time.

Vertical distribution of Aedes mosquitoes in multiple storey buildings in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The aim of the present study was to determine the vertical distribution and abundance of Aedes mosquitoes in multiple storey buildings in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ovitrap surveillance was conducted for 4 continuous weeks in multiple storey buildings in 4 residential areas located in Selangor [Kg. Baiduri (KB)] and Kuala Lumpur [Student Hostel of University of Malaya (UM), Kg. Kerinchi (KK) and Hang Tuah (HT)]. The results implied that Aedes mosquitoes could be found from ground floor to highest floor of multiple storey buildings and data from different elevation did not show significant difference. Ovitrap index for UM, KB, HT and KK ranged from 0 – 29.17%, 0 – 55.56%, 8.33 – 83.33% and 0 – 91.17% respectively. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were found breeding in HT, KK and KB; while only Ae. albopictus was obtained from UM. The results indicate that the invasion of Aedes mosquitoes in high-rise apartments could facilitate the transmission of dengue virus and new approaches to vector control in this type of residential area should be developed.