The urban mosquitoes of Suva, Fiji: seasonal incidence and evaluation of environmental sanitation and ULV spraying for their control.

Larval surveys and oviposition traps were used to monitor urban mosquito populations in two adjacent transects in Suva, Fiji between May 1978 and August 1979. Populations of Aedes aegypti and Ae. pseudoscutellaris fluctuated seasonally with changes in rainfall, the latter species being most prevalent throughout the year. Populations of these two species were highest between December and July and lowest between August and October. Larval populations of Culex quinquefasciatus did not show a seasonal variation and larval populations of Cx. annulirostris were too low for any conclusions to be made. All species were found breeding most often in miscellaneous containers, with tyres, plant containers and flower vases also being important sources for Ae. aegypti breeding. Through environmental sanitation the Breteau Index for all species was reduced by 88%; Premise Index by 72% and the Container Index by 83%, when compared to a control area. ULV applied malathion was effective in temporarily reducing Ae. pseudoscutellaris populations from 50--100%. Effects on Ae. aegypti were inconclusive. It is concluded that through enforcement of the existing laws and strict monthly surveillance during the periods of highest seasonal density, urban Aedes and Culex populations can be maintained at an acceptable level.