Vector & Urban Pest Science

Evidence-based vector control, tested to WHO standards.

The Vector Control Research Unit conducts accredited research, testing and evaluation of vectors, urban pests and household insecticides at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Explore research Our services

Specimen: Aedes albopictusVCRU-LAB

Research Programmes

The vectors & pests we study

Mosquito

Aedes · Anopheles · Culex

Biology, behaviour, surveillance and control of disease-carrying mosquitoes — and the insecticide resistance that threatens vector control programmes.

Diseases: Dengue, Zika, malaria, filariasis
Methods: WHO tube test, larval bioassay, cone bioassay
Output: Resistance profiles & bio-efficacy reports

Cockroach

Periplaneta · Blattella

Urban pest carriers of pathogens and allergens in homes and food premises — studied for behaviour, control and insecticide susceptibility.

Risk: Food contamination, asthma allergens
Methods: Topical & surface bioassay, baiting trials
Output: Product efficacy & resistance data

Housefly

Musca domestica

Mechanical vectors of pathogens in urban and rural environments — evaluated for control methods and insecticide performance.

Risk: Enteric pathogen transmission
Methods: Feeding & contact bioassay, fly cage trials
Output: Bait & spray efficacy evaluation

Accredited Services

Testing, evaluation & supply

Reference Products

Standardised reference insects and products for laboratory and field bioassays.

Resistance Monitoring

Detection and monitoring of insecticide resistance in vector and urban pest populations.

Bio-efficacy Testing

WHO-standard evaluation of household insecticides and public health products.

WHO Test Kit Procurement

KEY SERVICE

Supply and procurement of WHO insecticide susceptibility test kits, papers, solutions and components.

About the Unit

Half a century at the frontier of vector control.

At the School of Biological Sciences, USM, VCRU pairs deep entomological research with internationally accredited testing — recognised across borders under ILAC MRA.

ISO/IEC 17025ACCREDITED

Good Lab PracticeGLP CERTIFIED

ILAC MRAGLOBALLY RECOGNISED

Standards MalaysiaDEPT. CERTIFIED

Bulletin

Announcements

2026-06-20

Accreditation

ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation renewed for 2026

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2026-06-08

Service

New bio-efficacy testing for mosquito repellents now available

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2026-06-02

Notice

Workshop on Vector & Urban Pest Management rescheduled to 2026

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2026-05-28

Facility

Laboratory maintenance closure: 15–17 July 2026

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Newsroom

Latest news

2026-06-12

Event

VCRU hosts international vector control delegation

2026-05-30

Research

New study on mosquito insecticide resistance published

2026-04-18

Training

Certified pest management training programme opens

2026-03-22