Larvicidal Efficacy of Natular DT against Aedes aegypti

 

 Dengue is the fastest spreading vector-borne disease creating a million infections annually extending over more than a hundred different countries around the globe. Dengue still has no treatment as of this writing but the disease can be early managed if diagnosed at an early stage. Dengue virus is known to be transmitted by day-biting of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.  It can be asymptomatic but usually, the most common symptoms include high-grade fever, joint pain, and pink/red rashes. It is most common in tropical countries like the Philippines where dengue is considered an endemic across all its regions. While most patient cases recover without any serious complications, others may lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever which can lead to death. 

I was once a dengue patient a few years back and I remember I was even in denial about acquiring it. I used to lather my skin with insect repellent products and would wear long pants to prevent mosquito bites. My mom would also regularly clean our surroundings to make sure no mosquito larvae would be able to live near our household to keep us safe from dengue hemorrhagic fever. I never thought I'd be having dengue, but I did and it's not easy to have it. So as parents, we'd like to make sure that no one in the family would have to experience the same thing that we had gone through right? 

So what is the best and most effective way to prevent dengue and kill mosquito larvae? Larvicides are used and highly recommended by experts because they help destroy bacteria that destroy larvae and genetic modification of mosquitoes to reduce their fertility. 

Luckily, UPL Philippines Inc. recently introduces Natular DT Larvicide. What's so nice about it is that it is environment-friendly. It is an easy-to-use, bi-layer tablet that prevents mosquito larvae from biting adults. Natular DT is made specifically to address the common breeding sites around residential properties that serve as breeding ground for mosquitoes. 

Natural DT is a patented tablet from UPL Philippines Inc. 

Natular DT is a patented tablet with active ingredient spinosad--a product derived naturally from occurring soil bacterium. It allows working for up to 2 months (60 days) to control mosquito larvae in either natural or artificial containers. You may use Natular DT in rain barrels, floor drains, ornamental ponds and water gardens, abandoned tires, flower pot trays (calling the attention of "Plant-titos and Plant titas," you can try this product), and boat covers. 

Natular DT is a breakthrough product that combines effectiveness and ease of usage. They are proven and tested to effectively kill mosquito larvae exactly where they grow--in containers and standing water. This is the best way to prevent mosquito carrying diseases such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses. It's also super easy to use, just pop a tablet in the water and let Natular DT tablets to do their job. 

Just put a tablet in the water container and let it sit for 24 hours

During its virtual launch, Dr. Pio A. Javier also gave a short lecture about his very own research and experiment on Natular DT. Based on experience, he highly recommended the use of Natular DT. It demonstrated exceptional control for more than 60 days after usage. 

Pio Javier did his own research on Natular DT

Indeed, Natular DT may be small but terrible, Natular DT is about less than 1/2" in diameter but this small tablet has dual-release action to ensure both a quick kill and continuous control. The first layer is fizzy to help dissolve and spread the dosage in 60 seconds and effectively kill larvae within 24 hours. Meanwhile, the second layer dissolves a bit slower, but it does its job in the next 60 days. It is important to keep the tablet submerged in water because if it dries out, it will not be as effective as expected. 

UPL is established in 1969 and is one of the largest agrochemical companies in India and 5th largest crop protection company globally. With its presence in over 138 countries, having 44 manufacturing sites, and more than 10,000 employees, Its purpose is to create an open agriculture network for a sustainable future. 

 UPL Philippines Inc. was established in 2012 as a subsidiary and started being the partner of Filipino farmers in feeding the nation. Their areas of expertise include seeds, crop protection, plant stress & stimulation, post-harvest, soil and water technologies, and environmental health solutions.

Natular DT was evaluated by the EPA and is the first Reduced Risk larvicide approved product. All ingredients of Natular DT are included in EPA’s List of Minimal Risk Inert Ingredients. As a matter of fact, Spinosad earned the EPA’s Green Chemistry Award in 1999. Natular DT has also been evaluated by WHOPES (World Health Organization Pesticide Evaluation Scheme) for water container treatment in dengue control programs and is approved by the Drinking Water Quality working group for potable water.

For more information on Natular DT, please check out and message them on UPL Philippines Inc. Facebook Page. 

So remember, if it’s getting to be that time of year 

...let’s stay ahead of the hatch, pick up Natular DT tablets to shoo mosquitoes away! 

'Till our next blog post,