Evaluation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis as toxic sugar bait against adult Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes

Attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) are a novel and effective mosquito control tool based on sugar-feeding behaviors and oral ingestion. In general, there is a demand from consumers for more novel control products with more effective active ingredients. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi) is a major larvicide for control of mosquito larvae. This study evaluated BTi as an active ingredient of toxic sugar baits (TSB) against adult Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus, compared with a positive control of 1% boric acid toxic sugar bait. Ingestion of BTi TSB by female mosquitoes resulted in an average mortality at 48 h of 97% for Ae. aegypti, 98% for Ae. albopictus, and 100% for Cx. quinquefasciatus. The study findings suggest ingestible BTi TSBs could be a viable alternative to current mosquito control strategies and programs against adults of these three species of mosquitoes.

Automated summary

The attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) are a novel and effective mosquito control tool that targets adult Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus based on their sugar-feeding behaviors and oral ingestion. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi) shows promising results as an active ingredient in toxic sugar baits (TSB), with high mortality rates for the targeted mosquito species. The study suggests that ingestible BTi TSBs could be a viable alternative to current mosquito control strategies for these three species of mosquitoes.