Laboratory Based Evaluation of Bio pesticides with Comparison of Cypermethrin on the Mortality of Aedes Aegypti

Abstract

Mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti, are major vectors of dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and other life-threatening diseases. Overreliance on synthetic insecticides like Cypermethrin has led to resistance development and environmental hazards, creating an urgent need for safer alternatives. This study evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of five indigenous plant extracts—Azadirachta indica (neem), Eucalyptus (gum tree), Melia azedarach (chinaberry), Datura metel (horn of plenty), and Curcuma longa (turmeric)—in comparison with Cypermethrin 10% EC against adult Aedes aegypti under laboratory conditions. Bioassays revealed that neem (14% mortality at 96h), eucalyptus (13.3%), and chinaberry (12.3%) exhibited the strongest botanical effects, while turmeric and Datura metel showed relatively weak and inconsistent activity. Cypermethrin produced rapid, high mortality (18.3% at 72h), but efficacy declined sharply by day five, indicating poor residual activity. Overall, neem and chinaberry extracts demonstrated the most promising potential as eco-friendly alternatives. These results highlight that locally available, cost-effective, and biodegradable botanicals can complement or partially replace chemical insecticides, contributing to integrated vector management and sustainable mosquito control strategies.