Evaluation of fruit combinations as potential liquid attractants for hydrogel bait applications targeting Aedes mosquitoes

Abstract Background A major challenge to global vector control efforts is the increasing resistance of Aedes mosquitoes to conventional insecticides. Since they are the main vectors of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches are essential for vector control. Attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSBs) take advantage of mosquitoes’ propensity for sugar and can offer an alternative strategy. However, further research is needed to investigate the performance of ATSBs, especially in determining and assessing attractant combinations that might increase mosquito attraction and feeding efficiency. Methods This study examines the feeding preferences of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus for several fruit-based ATSB formulations. We employed three assays of attractants: mango alone, banana alone, and a combined mango–banana formulation, as well as a control set. Three replicates of each species at a 50% dosage of each fruit extract were evaluated. Results The findings indicate that combining fruit sources enhances mosquito attraction, since there is a statistically significant preference for the mixed fruit formulation (1:1) compared with the single-fruit attractants (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the feeding preferences between the males and the females, indicating that the treatment effect is equal for both genders. Conclusions This study contributes to the ongoing advancement of sustainable and efficient vector control strategies by demonstrating the enhanced attractiveness of mixed-fruit formulations, which offer environmentally safe methods for managing Aedes mosquito vectors and arboviral diseases. Graphical abstract