A review on use of attractants and traps for host seeking Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Abstract

Arthropod vectors like mosquitoes and other blood sucking insects transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, zika vius. Among the vectors, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are medically important since they cause huge numbers of morbidity and mortality to human beings. Many blood feeding arthropod vectors locate their hosts using vision and primarily through olfactory cues including carbon dioxide (CO2), lactic acid, ammonia, and carboxylic acids. Release of CO2 from commercial cylinders and dry ice enhances efficiency of the traps. Different traps have been developed to trap mosquitoes and other vectors. They were found effective when attractants were added to CO2. Understanding the cues and synergism of attractants on peripheral olfactory system of mosquitoes, may lead to identification of newer molecules with improved efficiency for host seeking mosquitoes and will be useful for natural control of vectors transmitting dengue and other diseases.