Chattogram City Corporation using BTI to kill mosquitoes

The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) has begun an experimental deployment of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), a larvicide or insecticide, in an effort to curb the surging mosquito population in the port city.

CCC Mayor Shahadat Hossain inaugurated the initiative on Wednesday, overseeing the first application at a canal in the Syed Shah Road area of Bakalia’s Ward No 17.

The mayor described BTI as an “environmentally friendly” solution, saying the biological agent targets mosquito larvae while leaving other aquatic life—such as fish, frogs and other organisms—unharmed.

“We are analysing the effectiveness of several pesticides for mosquito control,” he said.

“BTI is a proven method, used in countries like the United States to destroy mosquito larvae.”

The move follows a similar effort in Dhaka, where BTI was recently introduced.

Chattogram officials hope the biological control method will offer a safer and longer-lasting alternative to conventional chemical pesticides.

“BTI works by poisoning the larvae’s intestines,” Shahadat said.

“Since it acts biologically, it can be more effective in the long run.”

The mayor acknowledged that earlier attempts—relying on indigenous pesticides—had yielded only partial success as mosquitoes developed resistance.

“Mosquito control has been a priority since we took office,” he said.

“But as resistance builds, we must constantly adjust our approach. BTI is a tested and safe technology.”

Still, challenges remain in execution.

Shahadat conceded that mosquito spraying efforts have sometimes faltered due to lapses in field-level enforcement.

“We have ordered repellent spraying twice a day—once in the morning and once in the afternoon—but at times, workers fail to follow through,” he said, urging residents to report any lapses.

“Strict action will be taken against the workers in question.”

Beyond municipal efforts, the mayor emphasised the need for public participation.

“Mosquitoes breed in drains, canals, and stagnant water,” he said.

“We’ve intensified canal and drain clean-ups in Chattogram. As such, mosquitoes are now moving around houses. Therefore, residents must keep their surroundings clean, ensuring that water doesn’t collect in flower pots, discarded tyres, or unused construction materials.”

The city will evaluate BTI’s effectiveness before expanding its use.

“We are monitoring its effectiveness in killing mosquito larvae,” Shahadat said.

“If the data shows it works, we will implement it citywide.”