SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT CHARACTERIZATION OF MOSQUITO LARVAE IN BAMENDA, CAMEROON

Spartial distribution and habitat characteristics of mosquito larval habitats in Bamenda were determined. A cross sectional study was done in which 125 mosquito larval habitats were surveyed from August 2014 to October 2016. Spatial distribution and characteristics of larval habitats for different mosquito genera and for different area were compared. Results obtained showed a highly significant difference (p <0.05) in the distribution of the different mosquito larval genera with Culex larvae predominating (78.05%). Majority of the habitats were found in areas of high density housing (52.8%). The different mosquito types demonstrated distinct preferences for larval habitats. Culex and Aedes mosquitos had higher preference for artificial habitats with used tyres predominating (55%), while Anopheline had higher preference for natural habitats. There was a significant relationship between presence of larval habitats and distance to the nearest household, dissolved oxygen, optical density and elevation (p<0.05). Conclusively the present study brings out some significant relationship between larval habitats and some physicochemical and enviromental factors that are vital for effective larval source mangement within Bamenda.