Mosquito Species Composition and Abundance in Students’ Hostels in Three Campuses of The University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
NJE Vol. 42(1) : 135-146, 2026
DOI.10.36108/NJE/6202/24.0101
Umohata, I. A1,2*., Etok, I. S2., Ufot, M. A2., Inam, E. J2., Ubulom, P. M. E.2 and Atting, I. A3
1Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
2Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
3Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.a
Abstract
Mosquitoes are among the most significant vectors of human diseases, transmitting pathogens responsible for malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and various arboviral infections. This study investigated the abundance, sex composition, and spatial distribution of mosquitoes within student hostels across the three campuses of the University of Uyo, Nigeria. Sampling was conducted from March to June 2025 using Centre for Disease Control Light Traps (CDC LTs). Two hostels were selected from each campus, and collections were carried out simultaneously indoors monthly between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Mosquito specimens were identified using standard pictorial and taxonomic keys. A total of 277 adult mosquitoes were collected over the four-month period. The Main Campus recorded the highest number (188; 67.87%), followed by the Annex Campus (66; 23.80%) and the Town Campus (23; 8.30%). Four mosquito genera were identified, with Culex being predominant (267; 97.10%), while Aedes (1; 0.40%), Anopheles (2; 0.70%), and Mansonia (5; 1.80%) occurred in much smaller numbers. Monthly variation showed the highest abundance in March (85; 30.69%) and the lowest in June (53; 19.13%). Sex composition analysis revealed a clear predominance of females (203; 73.29%) over males (74; 26.71%). The dominance of female mosquitoes across all hostels underscores a potential public health concern due to their role in blood feeding and disease transmission. These findings provide valuable baseline data for future mosquito surveillance and support the need for targeted vector control strategies particularly improved sanitation practices to eliminate breeding sites and thereby to reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases within the University of Uyo hostels.
Key Words: Surveillance, Diseases, Mosquitoes, Hostels.