Ctg City Corp planning to use Bti tablets to destroy Aedes larvae

The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) is planning to use Bti tablets manufactured in the United States to destroy Aedes larvae to combat the outbreak of dengue in the country.

Speaking to The Business Standard, CCC Control Officer of Malaria and Mosquito Sharful Islam Mahi said, the Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti) tablets would be used on a trial basis. The procedure of using it involves dissolving it in water.

According to the Chattogram City Corporation, if one tablet is dissolved in 200 litres of water, it will remain effective for 60 days in destroying larvae. It has no side effects, and is eco-friendly and cost-effective. So far, the corporation has collected about 1.5 thousand of these tablets.

The Bti comes in many forms, including tablets, briquettes, pellets, granules, or liquid, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.  

When used as directed, Bti can be applied safely to standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs without causing harm to food crops or water supplies.

Bti is most effective when used as part of an integrated mosquito management plan for reducing the number of mosquitoes in an area.

Sharful Islam Mahi further said the effectiveness of the drug will be verified in Chattogram, adding that the final decision will be taken after drawing a scientific formula and conducting necessary experiments.

At present, CCC uses adulticide, larvicide, naphtha and herbal medicines to control mosquitoes. 

Besides, the organisation has been operating mobile courts and imposing fines upon detection of mosquito larvae in various parts of the city. Since 5-27 July, a total of Tk11,56,500 lakh has been imposed in fines over 131 cases.