INSECT VECTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DUMPSITES

Abstract

Improper solid waste management remains a major environmental and public health concern in many developing countries, especially Nigeria where open dumping is common. Dumpsites create favourable breeding grounds for insect vectors capable of transmitting diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and malaria. This study investigated the abundance and distribution of insect vectors in three major dumpsites Miami Villa, Aso Rock Villa, and Texas Villa in Gidan Yaro, Wamako LGA, Sokoto State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and insect samples were collected for four weeks using sticky traps, light traps, pitfall traps, and sweep nets. Specimens preserved in ethanol were identified using standard entomological keys, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed variations in vector abundance, with Aso Rock Villa having the highest mean count. Cockroaches and houseflies were the most dominant species. The study concludes that poor waste management promotes vector proliferation and recommends improved sanitation and proper waste disposal.