Rolling carpet strategy to reduce mosquito populations in two-dimensional space

TL;DR

This paper introduces a mathematical model using reaction-diffusion equations to analyze a 'rolling carpet' strategy for controlling mosquito populations in two-dimensional space, aiming to reduce disease transmission.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of 'forced' traveling waves in a reaction-diffusion system with radial symmetry, providing a theoretical foundation for the control strategy.

Findings

Existence of 'forced' traveling waves in 2D space

Mathematical validation of the intervention zone movement

Application of reaction-diffusion models to mosquito control

Abstract

Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases; a strategy to fight the spread of these diseases is to control the vector population. In this article, we focus on the use of the sterile insect technique. Starting from a reaction-diffusion system, we show the existence of 'forced' traveling waves obtained by translating the intervention zone at constant speed. This result is proved in a two-dimensional space by using the radial symmetry.