A B S T R A C T
Background: Mosquitoes carry numerous diseases, such as malaria, chikungunya, yellow
fever, dengue fever, and lymphatic filariasis. The control of these diseases is geared
towards vector control. Still, using artificial chemical insecticides for mosquito control has
been linked to the emergence of resistance and harmful impacts on both humans and the
environment. Methods: Adult mosquitoes were collected, sorted, and identified using a
standard identification key. Aedes spp were bred in an enclosed setting and fed with albino
rat blood, sugar, and yeast. Third-stage instar larvae were used for larvicidal screening.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) was isolated and characterized following conventional
microbiological and molecular methods. Bt bioassay was prepared into three
concentrations (0.5mg/mL, 0.25mg/mL, 0.125mg/mL). Results: As the concentration of
Bt increases, there is a significant decrease in the number of surviving larvae. There was
a correlation between the concentration and duration of Bt exposure and the death of
larvae. The higher the concentrations and more extended exposure periods, the higher the
effectiveness of the Bt bioassay. A 0.5mg/mL concentration had the highest mortality
rate and efficacy compared to 0.125mg/mL. Conclusion: The larvicidal assay revealed the
effectiveness of Bt against Aedes larvae. The higher the concentration, the higher the
mortality rate. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts in integrated vector
management, providing a sustainable and ecologically friendly alternative to synthetic
insecticides for managing mosquito-borne diseases.