A preliminary survey of Aedes aegypti in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia

A preliminary survey of Aedes aegypti was carried out in 6 areas in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. The densities of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in the areas were discussed. Results indicated that the distribution of larval habitats varied with the housing type. The most ommon indoor larval habitat in urban areas is the bathroom tank. In both urban and rural areas, outdoor preference is for the earthenware jars. Anttraps have decreased in importance as larvae breeding habitats. The accuracy of house searches can be increased by increasing the number of larvae examined per container to 5 or more. Further study is required to determine whether the findings of this survey is peculiar to the areas surveyed or is representative of the whole country, and whether there is a seasonal fluctuation in the types of preferred larval habitats.