The Effect of C02, Sweat, Chemical Vapours and Air on Simulium ornatum: Implications for Control

Abstract

Studies on the response of the blackfly Simulium ornatum s.l (Diptera Simuliidae) to carbon dioxide (CO2), acetone, 1-octen-3-ol and air was conducted in the laboratory using a Y-tube olfactometer. The blackflies were found to exhibit a high degree of
activity in the olfactometer and responded to the various odours. The results showed that CO2 and l-octen-3-ol were attractive to the flies at low concentrations (< 1% CO2 & < 2.5% 1-octen-3-ol) and repellent at high concentrations (> 2% CO2 & > 4% 1- octen-3-ol). Humidified air was found to be an attractant, and dry air a repellent. Acetone at low concentrations (< 0.2%) did not appear to have any effect, while at higher concentrations (> 1%) it repelled. The results indicate that the use of attractive odours could be beneficial in reducing vector biting of hosts if used in areas where the host is present.

West African Journal of Applied Ecology Vol. 13 2008: pp. 39-44