Survey of Insect Vectors in Some Selected Dumpsites in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria, Western Africa

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the insect vectors living in refuse dumps at Gombe Metropolis in Gombe State of Nigeria.

Study Design: The metropolis were divided into four longitudinal zones, and in each zone three dumpsites were randomly selected. Visual observations were used to estimate the composition of the refuse dumps.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Gombe metropolis of Gombe state between the months of May and August, 2018.

Methodology: Sweep nets, sticky traps, water traps and handpicking were used to collect different vector species. Specimen collected were preserved and transported to the laboratory for identification. Standard Identification keys were used for the identification of the vectors.

Results: The compositions of the refuse dumps varied from vegetable matter and animal remains to assorted materials including used tyres, electronic parts, cartons, faecal matter, broken bottles, polythene bags. A total of 464 insect vectors belonging to 9 species were collected. Musca domestica 282(60.8%) was the dominant species, followed by Anopheles spp 55(11.9%) and Aedes species 44(9.4%). Periplaneta americana accounts 37(8.0%) of the collections.

Conclusion: The thriving population of these vector species and the abundance of putrefying refuse dumps are risk factors of the endemic diseases transmitted by such vectors in the city. The present work therefore recommends the proper disposal of refuses to avert an epidemic status.