A probability model of vector behavior: effects of DDT repellency, irritancy, and toxicity in malaria control.

A probability model of how DDT residues may function within a malaria control program is described. A step-wise organization of endophagic behaviors culminates in a vector acquiring a human blood meal inside the house. Different vector behaviors are described, epidemiologically defined, temporally sequenced, and quantified with field data. Components of vector behavior and the repellent, irritant, and toxic actions of insecticide residues are then assembled into a probability model. The sequence of host-seeking behaviors is used to partition the total impact of sprayed walls according to the three chemical actions. Quantitatively, the combined effect of repellency and irritancy exert the dominant actions of DDT residues in reducing man-vector contact inside of houses. These relationships are demonstrated with published and unpublished data for two separate populations of Anopheles darlingi, for Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus in Tanzania, and Anopheles punctulatus in New Guinea.