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) 156mesh/inch(2), PermaNet(R) 196mesh/inch(2), PermaNet(R) 196mesh/inch2+75cm 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) 196mesh/inch(2)+75cm border followed by PermaNet(R) 196mesh/inch(2) 91.90 and 74.29% in PermaNet(R)156mesh/inch(2), 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) 156mesh/inch(2), PermaNet(R) 196mesh/inch(2) and PermaNet(R) 196mesh/inch(2)+75cm, respectively. The preference was high for PermaNet(R) 156mesh/inch(2) without any side effect of LLINs.