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The high density of Culex mosquitoes in the capital and other parts of the country is unlikely to ease anytime soon, experts say, at least until the rains arrive and local government authorities become fully functional.
The surge in mosquitoes has made life uncomfortable both indoors and outdoors, with their numbers in February about 40 per cent higher than in the previous two months, they forecast.
Experts warn that the menace is likely to intensify further in March.
Faulty application of larvicides and poor waste management have worsened the situation, entomologists said.
Prof Kabirul Bashar, a medical entomologist and teacher at Jahangirnagar University (JU), who has been monitoring the situation, told The Financial Express that conditions are unlikely to improve until the rains begin.
He identified four main causes behind the higher density of Culex mosquitoes in Dhaka and across the country: prolonged absence of rain, rising temperatures, poor waste management and stagnant water, and inaction from city corporations and local government authorities.
"The city corporation authorities have been almost nonfunctional in recent weeks," he said.
However, he expressed hope that newly appointed political administrators may help improve the situation.
February saw, on average, a 40 per cent higher density of Culex mosquitoes in Dhaka compared with December.
"However, the dominance varies across different areas of the city," Prof Bashar said, urging the local government to act promptly.
He cited faulty drainage, unclean water bodies, and inadequate monitoring as major contributors.
"Water bodies under the city corporation's authority remain unclean, providing ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes," he said.
The entomologist warned that mosquito density may peak in March but should decrease with the start of the monsoon and nor'wester winds in April.
Unplanned drainage, drains left unclean for years, waterlogged basements, and parking areas have all made Dhaka an ideal breeding ground for Culex mosquitoes.
Prof Bashar urged the city authorities to clean stagnant water and unclean areas before applying larvicides.
"Otherwise, the medicine won't work. Proper and scientific application is crucial. The medicine available is effective, but success depends on correct usage and consistent local government monitoring," he said.
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