Vector control



Vector control is any method to limit or eradicate the vectors of vector born diseases, for which the pathogen (e.g. virus or parasite) is transmitted by a vector which can be mammals, birds or arthropods, especially insects, and more specifically mosquitoes.

The most frequent type of vector control is mosquito control, which uses a variety of strategies, three of which are:


 * 1) Habitat control: stagnant water is avoided, by removal of old tires, empty cans etc., and better management of used water;
 * 2) Insecticides, spread over mosquito breeding zones, sprayed in houses, or impregnated in  bednets;
 * 3) Introduction of sterilised male mosquitoes, in order to reduce the vector breeding rate.

The first method is to be recommended whenever possible for its cost-effectiveness.