Insects Are Outsmarting Malaria Nets – and It Could Have Severe Consequences

A North Carolina State University study reveals that resistance among household pests to malaria-prevention insecticides is leading to increased distrust and abandonment of these methods, resulting in higher malaria rates. The study suggests exploring new dual-targeted treatments to overcome these challenges.

For many years, insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying have been crucial and highly effective methods for controlling mosquitoes that spread malaria, a serious global health threat. These strategies have also, incidentally, helped to reduce populations of other unwanted household pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches, and flies.