Evaluation of selective spraying of bendiocarb (Ficam VC) for the control of Anopheles flavirostris in the Philippines.

The effectiveness of selective and complete spray applications of bendiocarb for the control of the major malaria vector, Anopheles flavirostris, was compared in an experimental hut trial in the Philippines. Selective spraying involved treatment of the vector's preferred indoor resting sites, namely, the lower wall areas, wall areas immediately surrounding the doors and windows, and eaves. Complete spraying involved treatment of all internal wall and ceiling areas, and the eaves. At intervals over a 6-month period, mosquitoes were released into the huts and recaptured within 13 h, either inside the huts, or within the interior of net traps placed over the huts. Mortality levels differed by < 8% between the spray regimens over the posttreatment period, with both regimens giving 75-100% kill of An. flavirostris during the initial 3 months. The time spent spraying and spray volume used during treatment of village houses were respectively 36 and 49% less under the selective spraying regime. Selective application of bendiocarb therefore shows considerable promise, both in terms of efficacy and cost effectiveness, for the control of An. flavirostris in the Philippines.