Avian uropygial secretions as a novel bioinsecticide for mosquito vector control
Background: Malaria control relies heavily on interventions targeting mosquito vectors, but the rapid emergence of insecticide resistance threatens the effectiveness of existing approaches. Identifying novel, effective, and environmentally sustainable insecticides is therefore a priority. Birds produce uropygial secretions with well-documented antimicrobial properties, but their potential insecticidal activity against mosquitoes, including malaria vectors, remains unexplored. Methods: We evaluated the insecticidal activity of uropygial secretions from wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus) against the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi and four additional mosquito species of medical importance (Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens, and Culiseta longiareolata). A total of 2,293 adult mosquitoes were tested using CDC bottle bioassays at three secretion concentrations (0.5, 0.25, and 0.125) and an untreated control. Mosquito mortality was monitored for 120 min. Results: Uropygial secretions caused substantial mosquito knockdown/mortality, with effects increasing with concentration and exposure time. Susceptibility differed significantly among species after 120 min. Notably, An. stephensi was particularly susceptible, reaching knockdown/mortality of 92%, 94%, and 83% at 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 concentrations, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings provide the first experimental evidence that avian uropygial secretions possess direct insecticidal activity against mosquitoes and identify them as a previously overlooked source of naturally derived insecticidal compounds. The high susceptibility of An. stephensi highlights their potential relevance for developing novel bioinsecticides for malaria vector control.