Pune, 20 August 2025: Mosquitoes, known for their adaptability, change their habits and lifestyle in response to preventive measures. Entomologists note that if the same insecticide is used continuously for three years, mosquitoes develop resistance. This makes control increasingly difficult and emphasizes the need for basic preventive steps at home and in the neighbourhood.
The connection between mosquitoes and malaria was first discovered in 1897 by British doctor Sir Ronald Ross. To mark this breakthrough, World Mosquito Day is observed every year on August 20. Today, mosquito control largely depends on coils, liquid vaporizers, chemical sprays, and biological methods such as guppy fish or the BTI bacteria.
Dr. Mahendra Jagtap, state entomologist, explained that there are more than 3,000 mosquito species worldwide, with over 255 found in India. Of these, Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes pose the greatest threat to humans. Mosquitoes pass through four stages, egg, larva, pupa, and adult, with the first three stages developing in water within 8–12 days.
Diseases such as malaria, elephantiasis, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, and chikungunya continue to spread through mosquitoes. Dengue and chikungunya alone affect nearly half of India’s population. The growing problem is linked to rapid urbanization, population increase, and lack of public hygiene. Apart from individual suffering, the economic burden on the country is also severe.
Dr. Jagtap stressed that while chemical insecticides are widely used, they also affect humans. Therefore, their use must be limited. “Government measures alone are not enough. People must take responsibility. Controlling larvae is the most effective solution,” he said. Regular weekly checks of stagnant water in and around homes, along with keeping surroundings clean, remain the simplest and most reliable measures.
In Pune and across Maharashtra, health officials are urging residents to cover stored water, keep drains clean, install window screens, and use mosquito nets while sleeping. These small but consistent actions, experts believe, can greatly reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.