Abstract

Introduction: Aedes aegypti holds global significance as a disease-transmitting vector, particularly for various arthropod-borne viruses. Ongoing human-induced disturbances, such as habitat destruction, chemical pollution, urbanization, and climate change, have led to a shift in global insect communities. Recognized as a human impact factor, radiofrequency (RF) has been identified to influence the hatching rate and development of insects. This study addresses a research gap by investigating the effects of low RF exposure and temperature variations on Aedes aegypti populations, especially considering the increased reliance on RF technologies. The study's objective is to determine how RF and temperature exposure impact the hatching rate and development period of Ae. aegypti. Material and Methods: This study conducted under laboratory setup with 720 eggs were exposed to control and low RF exposure (900 MHz) with different temperature levels of 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C. The study observed the effects on both hatching rate and development period. Results: The study discovered that eggs exposed to low RF hatched the most at 25°C. In comparison, the control group demonstrated the highest hatching rate at 30°C. The study found that at 20°C, the larval stage took the longest, while at 30°C, it was the shortest development. At 35°C, Aedes aegypti could not progress past the larval phase, resulting in a zero-emergence rate. Conclusion: This research sheds light on the potential effects of RF and temperature exposure on Aedes mosquito populations, emphasizing the need for further exploration in natural environments and understanding potential public health implications. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences (2025) 21(6): 1-9. doi:10.47836/mjmhs.v21.i6.1392