STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is an innovative pest management method that we use here at the district. This approach involves releasing sterile male Aedes aegypti mosquitoes into the environment, where they mate with wild females. This method effectively reduces the overall population of these invasive mosquitoes each season and enhances the quality of life for our community!

The Sterile Insect Technique Process

From hatching to release, our lab follows a 4-step process to ensure that our SIT process

1 Hatching and Rearing

The SIT process begins with the hatching and rearing of thousands of Aedes aegypti! Our lab team collects thousands of eggs and creates the optimal environment for mosquito larvae to hatch and eventually develop into pupae.

2 Prep and Sorting

As soon as the mosquitoes emerge from their pupal stage, our lab team starts the sorting and preparation process to ensure that only male mosquitoes proceed to the next phase. The lab establishes an optimal environment for the mosquitoes to grow and thrive, ensuring they are healthy enough to survive in the wild.

3 X-Ray Sterilization

When the mosquitoes reach full maturity, they are prepared for sterilization. Thousands of male mosquitoes are sterilized using X-ray radiation and are carefully monitored to ensure they are ready for release!

4 Sterile Mosquito Release

At last, the sterile male mosquitoes are set to be released into the wild! Our lab identifies the optimal release locations using years of collected data from our district. Once released, these male mosquitoes will search for wild females to mate with. The eggs laid by females that mate with sterile males will be non-viable, resulting in a reduction of the mosquito population!