The Potential of visible light spectra as control measure of Mosquito, the vector of Plasmodium

The control and or eradication of Mosquito, the vector of Plasmodium, is a major aspect of the prevention or eradication of malaria. The study investigated the potential of visible light spectra in the control of mosquito. Mosquito larvae were irradiated with light (blue, green, yellow, red and white lights) two hours daily (8am - 10am) for fourteen days. Ambient light served as the Control treatment. The irradiation (640 lux) was by 25 watts incandescent bulbs inside aluminum foil wrapped in plastic containers. 10 newly hatched mosquito larvae were exposed under each treatment replicated thrice. Development of larvae to pupae, pupae to adult and mortality of larvae, pupa and adult were recorded daily. Data obtained were expressed as percentages, mean(+/- SD) and compared by analysis of variance; significant means were separated by Duncan multiple range test at p<0.05. Larvae mortality was significantly (p<0.05) higher under the coloured lights compared to the control; yellow light elicited the highest significant (p<0.05) larvae mortality (8.17 +/-.408; 81.7%), followed by white (5.33 +/-.516), blue (5.17 +/-.408), green (4.83 +/-.408) and red (4.00 +/-.894) lights. The percentage of undeveloped larvae was significantly (p<0.05) the highest under blue light. While yellow light resulted in highest larvae mortality and blue light suppressed larvae development. Yellow and blue light therefore, have the potential for use as environment friendly means of controlling mosquito.