Inderjeet Kaur*
Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and several kinds of encephalitis are major public health concerns as they induce significant morbidity and mortality across the world (Tolle 2009). Malaria, transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito, keeps causing a significant illness burden on infants and young children in endemic areas. Malaria caused the deaths of around one million individuals worldwide, with an estimated 243 million cases. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue fever, is responsible for 50-100 million infections each year, resulting in thousands of deaths (WHO 2009). Encephalitis is transmitted mainly by theCulex species mosquito. There are 30,000–50,000 reported. Japanese encephalitis cases and 10,000–15,000deathsfrom encephalitis annually (Gould & Solomon 2008). Mosquito control and personal protection from mosquito bites are currently accepted as key measures used to control mosquito bites. Using repellents is one of the most effective methods to protect oneself from mosquito-borne diseases.N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) is widely useful as a mosquito repellent (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2008; Environmental Protection Agency 2007).The use of plant-derived agents such as citronella is an alternative repellent, which has been registered as an insect repellent from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Environmental Protection Agency 2008). Mosquitoes are attracted towards man because of the presence of lactic acid and Carbon (IV) Oxide inhuman sweat. The attraction is caused by Chemo-receptors present in the antennae of mosquito’s which perceive the smell of the sweat. The special role of natural mosquito repellent is to mask human scent. Most plants contain compounds that can be used to prevent attack from plant eating insects. These can be categorized as repellents, feeding deterrents, toxins and growth regulators. Repellents from plant origin is not hazardous to human and domestic animals, they are easily biodegradable. Natural products are safe for human when compared to that of synthetic compounds (Patel and Oswald 2012). Hence, there is need to launch extensive search to explore eco-friendly biological materials for control of insect pests. To produce a safe and non-toxic composition, we try to incorporate natural herbal substances and essential oils with proven mosquito-repelling characteristics, such as Beeswax, Camphor, Tulsi, Neem, Orange, Lemongrass, Marigold, Rosemary oil, Lavender Oil, Lemon Oil.
The following list includes the various mosquito species and the illnesses they can spread:
- Aedes mosquito:
Zika virus, yellow fever, dengue fever, and West Nile fever are among the illnesses spread by the Aedes mosquito. The primary way to identify them is by looking for black and white marks on their bodies and legs.
- Aedes albopictus:
Aedes albopictus also called Asian tiger. In addition to some filarial worms like Dirofilaria immitis, it is the cause of other viral infections like Dengue fever, Zika fever, and yellow fever virus. Southeast Asian regions that are tropical or subtropical are home to them.
- Anopheles mosquito:
Anopheles mosquitoes are known to cause malaria, brain tremors, and dirofilaria mmitis. They are typically found in tropical and colder climes, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Yellow Fever mosquito:
The yellow fever mosquito spreads diseases such as dengue fever, Zika fever, yellow fever, and many more. This mosquito was initially found in African countries but is currently found throughout the world's tropical and subtropical regions. Written 5000 years ago in India, the Rig-Veda is the oldest literature in Hindu civilization. The Atharvana Veda makes far more extensive and altered use of plant material. An Upaveda named Ayurveda was a part of Atharvana Veda. Ayurveda treatises such as Sushruta and Charaka Samhita are well-known. The Charaka Samhita lists 64 minerals, 57 medications derived from animals, and 395 medicinal plants as therapeutic agents. The main insecticides used in the Americas, according to the WHO pesticide review, are pyrethroids and organophosphates. Examples of chemical-based insect repellents used on mosquitoes include DEET. Although this insecticide is registered, there are potential adverse effects and cautions, such as irritation of the skin and eyes and insomnia. Synthetic pyrethroids such as sumithrin, resmethrin, and permethrin are used to kill adult mosquitoes. In insect repellents, a variety of plant extracts are also utilized. Researchers are discovering that several plant-based insect repellents, such as eucalyptus and neem powders, are just as effective as DEET.Butylated hydrox toluene (B.H.T.), an antioxidant comprised in various repellents, can damage the liver or kidneys if ingested or inhaled. Due to their insecticidal or repellent properties, plant-based repellents are becoming more and more used as a mosquito control strategy. Plant powders can be found naturally and have a potent smell. Fine particles and a green colour are typical characteristics of plant powder.
Life Cycle of Mosquito
10.5281/zenodo.17552819