Evaluation of different mesh sizes of long lasting insecticidal nets against Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale and Brunetti (Diptera: Psychodidae), in Bihar state of India

The study present result of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) of different mesh sizes viz. PermaNet(R) 156 mesh/inch2, PermaNet(R) 196 mesh/inch2, PermaNet(R) 196 mesh/inch2 + 75 cm border of fine cloth in reducing Phlebotomus argentipes population along with community acceptance in three intervention villages. Entire experimental period of treatments maximum reduction 93.67% was observed in PermaNet(R) 196 mesh/inch2 + 75 cm border followed by PermaNet(R) 196 mesh/inch2 91.90 and 74.29% in PermaNet(R)156 mesh/inch2, when compared to control all the LLINs were showed significant reduction of P. argentipes population while compare to between them there was no significant difference. The significant reduction in gravid P. argentipes, was recorded as 71.87, 87.92 and 91.27%, in PermaNet(R) 156 mesh/inch2, PermaNet(R) 196 mesh/inch2 and PermaNet(R) 196 mesh/inch2 + 75cm, respectively. The preference was high for PermaNet(R) 156 mesh/inch2 without any side effect of LLINs.