Efficacy of some plant wastes and cigarette filter residues as alternative agents for controlling Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)

Mosquito-borne diseases are among the most common public health problems in the world, especially in developing countries. The idea of evaluating certain agricultural and industrial waste products of natural origin as larvicidal agents against mosquitoes is both good and unconventional. Four agricultural waste extracts (Apricot kernels, Lipton packet tea, date palm kernels, and burnt rice straw) and one industrial waste extract (cigarette filters) were evaluated as insecticides against 3 rd the larval instar of Culex pipiens In vitro and their effect on egg laying and hatching rates. According to the current result, all plant and industrial waste extracts had larvicidal activity, and cigarette filters (100% mortality) and Lipton packet tea (97%) were most effective, followed by date palm kernels (90%), burnt rice straw (84%), and apricot kernel extracts (79%), whereas the LC 50 values were 528.14, 582.42, 815.5, 976, and 1080.50 ppm with 2000 ppm after 24 h, respectively. Data showed that cigarette filters and apricot kernel extracts were more attractive media for female oviposition, and cigarette filters and date palm kernel extracts had significant effects on the decreasing hatching rate (12.42% and 24.58%). Cigarette filters, Lipton packet tea, and date palm kernels can be used safely and efficiently to control Cx. pipiens larvae.