A revolutionary biopesticide derived from bacteria is showing significant promise in early trials, offering a potent new weapon against malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the biopesticide has been successful in killing chemical pesticide-resistant mosquitoes and reducing their ability to transmit the malaria parasite.

Made from dead cells of Chromobacterium, a common soil bacterium, this powder-based solution has a long shelf life and high heat stability, making it ideal for use in malaria-endemic regions. Field tests conducted in Burkina Faso demonstrated its effectiveness in dramatically reducing mosquito populations, even reversing their resistance to chemical insecticides.

Beyond killing mosquitoes, the biopesticide impairs their ability to seek blood meals and inhibits the malaria parasite’s ability to infect the mosquito, significantly reducing transmission potential.

With plans underway to seek EPA approval and conduct larger-scale field tests, this innovative approach could become a game-changer in the global fight against malaria, a disease that continues to claim over 600,000 lives annually.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting development in mosquito control and malaria prevention!