ARS | Publication request: EFFECTS OF SUBLETHAL EXPOSURE TO BORIC ACID SUGAR BAIT ON ADULT SURVIVAL, HOST-SEEKING AND BLOOD-FEEDING BEHAVIOR, AND REPRODUCTION OF AEDES ALBOPICTUS (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

Submitted to: Vector Ecology International Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 1, 2005
Publication Date: October 2, 2005
Citation: Arshad, A., Xue, R.D., Barnard, D.R. 2005. Effects of sublethal exposure to boric acid sugar bait on adult survival, host-seeking and blood-feeding behavior, and reproduction of aedes albopictus (diptera: culicidae). Vector Ecology International Congress.

Technical Abstract: Effects of sublethal exposure to 0.1% boric acid sugar bait on adult survival, host-seeking and blood-feeding behavior, and reproduction of Aedes albopictus were studied in the laboratory. Survival of males as well as females was significantly reduced when exposed to the bait, compared to control adults. The host-seeking and blood-feeding activities in the baited females decreased, but the mean duration of blood engorgement (probing to voluntary withdrawal of proboscis) was not significantly different between the baited and control females. The landing and biting rates (human arm) were significantly reduced in the baited females compared to non-baited controls. Fecundity and fertility (based on % egg hatch) in the baited females were significantly reduced and ovarian development retarded. Sublethal exposure to sugar based boric acid bait has the potential to reduce adult Ae. albopictus.