Malaria vector control and indoor residual spraying (IRS)

What is IRS?

Anopheles mosquitoes, which transmit malaria, often rest on indoor walls after biting. IRS coats those surfaces with a residual insecticide so mosquitoes that rest there are killed. It protects communities when coverage is high, and is usually planned before the transmission season.

Where it is used

• Camps and settlements.
• Hostels, schools and institutions in malaria-affected areas.
• Rural communities and farms with high mosquito exposure.
• Programmes run by NGOs and health partners.

How IRS is done

1. Prepare

   Food, water, utensils and bedding are taken out; furniture is moved away from walls.

2. Protect

   Sprayers wear the protective equipment required for the product and use calibrated compression sprayers.

3. Spray

   Even application to walls and ceilings at the label rate, including behind furniture.

4. Re-enter when dry

   Rooms stay closed for the time required by the product; floors are swept before people and animals return.

Choosing the insecticide

Insecticide choice depends on the local mosquito's susceptibility, the wall surface (mud, brick, cement, paint) and the duration of protection needed. Where possible, programmes should rotate insecticide classes to manage resistance.

After spraying

• Do not wash, plaster or paint sprayed walls during the protection period.
• Sweep floors normally and dispose of sweepings safely.
• Continue to use insecticide-treated bed nets for additional protection.

Built on field experience

Our founder has led malaria vector control programmes, including IRS, in refugee camps in South Sudan and in Afghan refugee camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We apply the same planning, training and supervision standards to work in KP.

Safety precautions

• Sprayers are supervised, and equipment is calibrated and maintained.
• Empty containers and wash water are managed according to the label and local rules.
• Products are chosen for the target pest and the place being treated, and must be registered or otherwise legally authorised in Pakistan for that use.
• Every application follows the manufacturer's label: dose, method, site and precautions.
• Our team wears protective equipment suited to the product and the task.
• Food, drinking water, utensils, toys, animal feed and aquariums are removed or covered before treatment.
• Children, pets and other occupants follow the precautions we give for that specific treatment.
• Re-entry time depends on the product, formulation, ventilation and surface. We tell you on the day, rather than using one fixed time for every job.
• You receive written post-treatment instructions.

Standards we work to: the WHO guidance on pesticide use for vector and public health pest control, the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, the WHO hazard classification of pesticides, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, together with Pakistan’s pesticide law. See the standards we follow →