Outdoor Biting by Malaria Vectors: What can we do to reduce it?

This APMEN Case study highlights the urgent need for effective tools that address outdoor-biting mosquitoes and reviews a range of existing and emerging interventions designed to reduce outdoor transmission.

The report discusses several approaches with varying levels of evidence and effectiveness, many of which have not yet received full endorsement from the World Health Organization due to limited research data. These interventions include repellents in multiple forms, larval source management, attractive targeted sugar baits, endectocides, outdoor residual spraying, fogging, mass trapping, genetic modification techniques, raised platforms, and zooprophylaxis. In addition to these direct interventions, the report emphasizes two important cross-cutting strategies: social engagement and behavioural change, and integrated vector management. Together, these approaches are intended to improve community uptake, coordination, and the overall impact of malaria control efforts targeting both indoor and outdoor transmission.