As the mosquito-borne Zika virus continues to spread throughout Latin America, people are searching for more ways to prevent it. Argentina, in particular, is demanding for more frogs and toads that feed on mosquitoes as added protection.

In an article by Daily Mail, Jorge Lemus of Argentina’s Ministry of Health stated that the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which triggers the Zika virus, is capable of surviving pesticides that have been sprayed in affected areas.

“We are working hard to fumigate areas in order to kill the mosquito but they are resistant to the chemicals, so we will need to change its composition,” said Lemus. He added that fumigation is a supplementary approach that only targets the adult mosquito. Eggs or larvae are not eliminated by spraying.

To further prevent the spread of Zika virus, as well as others like dengue fever, yellow fever and chikungunya, Argentinians have been demanding for more adult toads and frogs that can chomp on mosquitos that are immune to the pesticides. Several sellers and online sites have been advertising the sale of the amphibians. The price has increased in the past several days, with each animal costing up to $7.

AFP cited that Latin Americans have also been relying on sleeper fish that eat wingless larva and genetically modified insects to destroy eggs and adult mosquitoes. Experts are looking for more ways to kill mosquito larva while still in the breeding ground. There have also been plans to use radiation to target the reproductive organs of male mosquitoes, making these impotent. Reportedly, the use of other animals to kill the mosquitoes and their eggs has lessened the need to fumigate areas. Some people have also come up with organic insecticide that can destroy larva.

Based on the same Daily Mail report, Argentinian government officials already agreed to shoulder close to 40 percent of the price of insect repellents and insecticides. They also started a new campaign which advised people to remove open water reservoirs that could house infectious mosquitoes, such as puddles and buckets with water. Mosquitoes usually lay their eggs on these areas.

Zika virus results to various side effects, such as brain damage in infants and paralysis among adults.

In the meantime, there have been five reported cases of Zika virus in Argentina. All patients acquired the virus abroad and brought it home with them.

More updates and details on the spread of Zika virus in Latin America and the preventive measures are expected soon.