Abstract
Introduction: Mosquitoes are slender, flying insects of the
order diptera (true flies) in the arthropod Super-Phylum. They are
deadly insects
transmitting diseases such as malaria, elephantiasis and several #arboviruses. The adaptability of mosquitoes is a problem and this is
tantamount to
greater spread of diseases. Malaria is the most widespread mosquito
borne disease in Nigeria where it is holoendemic.
Aim: The source of malaria problem is the diverse breeding
sites of mosquitoes. This work investigates preferred mosquito breeding
water
sites, #physicochemical factors and colour cues influencing oviposition
and development of mosquitoes.
Methods: Investigations were carried out on the preferred
oviposition and breeding water sites of mosquitoes in the wild during
the rainy
season. 100 CL of water were collected from five water samples each of
packaged water, polluted water, pond water, tap water and rain water.
The
water samples were transferred to five green and five transparent
containers (200CL) each and left opened in a well ventilated laboratory
overnight
for four weeks. Daily temperature and weekly Hydrogen ion concentration
(ph) of the water in each container were taken.
Results: It was observed that mosquitoes oviposited in the ten
containers continuously. The two mosquito genera identified were
Anopheles
and Culex specie using their developmental stages as #morphotaxonomic indices. More Anopheles spp (57.2%) oviposited than Culex spp (42.7%)
although this was not statistically significant. The polluted water had
more Culex specie while the rain water had more Anopheles species with
no
regard for the colour of the container. Green colour did not serve as a
significant cue for oviposition. Packaged water had the least mosquitoes
of both
species. There were no significant differences in temperature and Ph
ranges of all sampled water in both containers.
Conclusion: Mosquito breeding occur right in homes as humans
indulge in #malariogenic lifestyles. Objects, excavations, plants and
anything
that can hold water must be eliminated. Water storage containers should
always be covered. This work suggests control programmes must put into
place preferred breeding sites of mosquitoes. Enforcement of
environmental sanitation by cleaning drainages and open gutters around
homes will
go a long way. Education of the populace on mosquito breeding sites in
homes is advocated.
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