Development of Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSBs) System and Its Effectiveness in Mosquito Control

Background: Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSBs) are an innovative vector control strategy based on the “attract-and-kill” principle. The core of ATSBs lies in the preparation of attractive and toxic baits through the mixing and proportioning of luring and active ingredients. Although previous studi...

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Main Authors: Ruixiang Zhang, Teng Zhao, Dan Xing, Xinyu Zhou, Haotian Yu, Dongfen Geng, Zhihua Fan, Kai Wang, Xinan Huang, Chunxiao Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Insects
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/3/258
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Summary:Background: Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSBs) are an innovative vector control strategy based on the “attract-and-kill” principle. The core of ATSBs lies in the preparation of attractive and toxic baits through the mixing and proportioning of luring and active ingredients. Although previous studies have investigated the effects of ATSBs on mosquitoes, significant challenges remain for broader field application. Methods: This study evaluated five fruit juices as ATSBs for mosquitoes, focusing on feeding preferences. Preservative concentrations were assessed by measuring antimicrobial activity over time. Two commercial traps were tested for mosquito entry rates. The optimal insecticide species and concentration were determined based on mortality rates. An optimized ATSBs system was developed and tested under a semi-field cage. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism. Results: Within 24 h, apple juice-based ATSBs had the highest attractant index for <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> and <i>Anopheles sinensis</i>, while a pear juice-based ATSB was most effective for <i>Aedes albopictus</i>. A 0.1% preservative concentration best maintained juice stability. The LC50 values of dinotefuran-based ATSBs for <i>Cx. quinquefasciatus</i>, <i>Ae. albopictus</i>, and <i>An. sinensis</i> were 1.18 × 10<sup>−3</sup>, 4.06 × 10<sup>−4</sup>, and 5.20 × 10<sup>−5</sup> g/L, respectively. The <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> trap outperformed the <i>Drosophilidae</i> trap. Simulated semi-field cage tests showed 48 h mortality rates of 86.00% for <i>Cx. quinquefasciatus</i> and 95.67% for <i>Ae. albopictus</i>. Conclusion: This study optimized an ATSB system by screening various fruit juices, preservative concentrations, insecticides, and trap devices. The system’s efficacy in mosquito control was evaluated under a semi-field cage. These findings provide a strong foundation for the future application and refinement of ATSB-based mosquito control strategies.
ISSN:2075-4450