Larvicide
Larvicide
Larvicide (pronunciation: /ˈlɑːr.vɪ.saɪd/) is a type of insecticide specifically targeted towards the larval life stage of insects. Its primary use is in controlling populations of mosquitoes, which are known vectors for many diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
Etymology
The term 'larvicide' is derived from the Latin 'larva', meaning 'mask' or 'ghost', and the suffix '-cide', from the Latin 'caedere', meaning 'to kill'. Thus, a larvicide is an agent that kills larvae.
Types of Larvicides
There are several types of larvicides, including:
- Chemical larvicides: These are typically synthetic compounds such as organophosphates and insect growth regulators that are toxic to mosquito larvae.
- Biological larvicides: These are naturally occurring agents, such as the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis and the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, that are lethal to mosquito larvae.
- Insect growth regulators: These are chemicals that interfere with the normal development of mosquito larvae, preventing them from maturing into adults.
Usage
Larvicides are used in various settings, including residential areas, agricultural fields, and public health scenarios. They are typically applied to bodies of water where mosquito larvae are known to breed. The choice of larvicide depends on several factors, including the species of mosquito, the habitat, and the stage of the mosquito life cycle.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Larvicide
- Wikipedia's article - Larvicide
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