Disclaimer: This article is primarily intended for my students who are facing university examinations. However, the content may be useful to others as well.

One of the frequently asked questions pertains to vector control- either integrated vector management or control of a specific vector.

The standard textbook provides details of vector habits (bionomics) and chemical control in a descriptive manner. I have tried to compile the information into short tables for ease of revision and recall. Due to this, the information contained is not comprehensive, and is only intended to trigger one’s memory for the details in the textbook. In order to provide a reasonable comparison, I have included only those characteristics/ details that are common across multiple vectors. Naturally, several details are omitted and learners must refer the textbook for the same.

It is important to note that there are exceptions to the generalizations mentioned in the tables. For instance, Anopheles culicifacies rests parallel to the surface, not at an angle like other species of its tribe.

Students should be able to link the details in one table with those in the other as required.

In Table 1, items on the left hand side (first column) describe the following:

Feeding: How the vectors feed, and whether both sexes or only one sex feeds on blood.

Biting: The time of day (day or night) when the vectors bite.

Resting: How and/or where vectors rest

Breeding: Preferred breeding sites/habits of the vectors

Dispersal: How far the vectors travel. Usually this implies the distance vectors travel by themselves.

Disease transmission: How the vectors transmit disease(s).

Note: Clicking on the table (image) will open it in a new tab, from where you may download the file.

The next table (Table 2) contains details of chemical control of selected vectors- that is, insecticides/ chemicals used to control vector populations.

Table 2 includes chemical agents that (for the most part) are used for multiple vectors/ life stages (larva and adult).

Some of the acronyms used in the table are explained below:

ha: Hectare (1 hectare = 2.47 acres)

lbs: pounds (1 pound = 0.45 kg)

Tetmosol is included as a therapeutic option, with the 5% solution applied thrice a day (TID).

Note: Clicking on the table (image) will open it in a new tab, from where you may download the file.