2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Development of innovative tools for surveillance and control of Rhipicephalus ticks. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Previous research on responses of mosquitoes to host odors provides a range of potential attractants that may be effective for tick. Laboratory experiments will be conducted to determine which compounds are the most attractive to ticks. These will be evaluated under field conditions using a modified commercial bedbug trap and the most effective combination of attractants compared against current surveillance methods. Effective attractants will be used to develop an attract-and-kill approach for these ticks. 3.Progress Report This project relates to Objective 5 of the in-house project - Determine chemical and other cues associated with regulation and orientation of specific behaviors by Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens group species/hybrids, and other biting arthropods that can be applied to the solution of operational surveillance and control problems. A list of potential attractants from the literature was developed and chemicals for analysis obtained. Laboratory bioassays procedures were developed for a 4-choice olfactometer with optimization of temperature, humidity and air speed for different tick life stages. Baseline attraction to different levels of carbon dioxide were obtained as a basis for screening of compounds. Studies were initiated determining dose-response curves for individual chemicals. These data provide the basis for the eventual selection of optimal attractants for use in trapping in the subsequent year. Progress is monitored by e-mails, telephone calls, and meetings to discuss the research project.