New biorational insecticides are good baits

The complications brought about by dipteran pests are widespread, ranging from livestock issues to diseases vectored to humans. Most dipteran control strategies are centered around insecticides targeting adult dipterans by direct spray with a pyrethroid or organophosphate. Numerous monoterpenoids and phenyl propanoids are effective as contact toxicants or fumigants, but their utility as biorational baits has always been a prevented due to their volatility, which causes the insect pests to be bait-shy. Lack of bait efficacy has led to the synthesis and evaluation of new derivatized ingestible baits that can be deployed in the field without volatility which could repel the insects away from the bait. Our lab has developed biorational compounds that are highly effective when screened by contact. In this research project we have designed multiple bioassays, including ones that allow flies and mosquitoes to choose between treated and untreated baits. Findings from this research allow us to determine what structural modifications can increase mortality and make the baits more palatable. Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSB) coudl serve as key components in dipteran insect control strategies.