Amid the growing threat of dengue fever across Saint Lucia, one local agency is stepping up to help curb the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
FDL Pest Control, the island’s leading pest management company, is introducing DengueDrops, an innovative solution aimed at reducing mosquito breeding and combating the surge in dengue infections.
Dengue fever, caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, continues to pose a serious public health challenge in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean region.
According to the Ministry of Health, Saint Lucia has seen a sharp increase in dengue cases in recent months, echoing a regional trend.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has also reported thousands of cases in neighbouring islands, with outbreaks threatening public health systems.
Dengue fever can lead to severe flu-like symptoms such as high fever, joint and muscle pain, and rashes. In its most severe form—dengue hemorrhagic fever—it can cause internal bleeding, organ failure, and death.
Health authorities have warned that the disease, which thrives in warm and rainy climates, could worsen during the ongoing rainy season, increasing the need for swift action.
In response to the escalating dengue crisis, FDL Pest Control has made available DengueDrops, a product designed to tackle mosquito breeding at its source.
“These are water-soluble capsules containing Aquatain AMF, a product that, once released, spreads across the surface of small water containers. These containers are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes around homes and villages,” explained Kendrah Samuel, spokesperson for FDL Pest Control. “The drops are easy to use, and they can be safely applied by the general public, providing a practical solution to reduce the mosquito population and, in turn, the transmission of dengue fever.”
Aquatain AMF works by creating a thin, silicone-based film on the water’s surface, effectively suffocating mosquito larvae and preventing them from maturing into adult mosquitoes.
Unlike chemical insecticides, this solution poses no risk to humans, animals, or plants, making it a safe option for residential areas.
The Ministry of Health has reported that Saint Lucia has seen over 1,000 suspected cases of dengue fever this year, a worrying uptick compared to previous years.
The rise mirrors similar trends in neighbouring islands like Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, which have also faced dengue outbreaks, with regional health authorities struggling to keep pace with the rapid spread.
FDL Pest Control has long been at the forefront of pest management in Saint Lucia, offering services ranging from mosquito control to termite and rodent pest management.
The company uses cutting-edge technologies and environmentally friendly solutions to tackle pest-related issues while prioritizing the safety of the community.
In addition to DengueDrops, FDL provides comprehensive pest management services aimed at suppressing mosquito populations island-wide.
These services include the use of mosquito baiting stations, fogging, larvicide applications, and community education initiatives to raise awareness about mosquito prevention methods.
With the launch of DengueDrops, FDL aims to empower households to take an active role in the fight against dengue.
SOURCE: FDL Pest Control
