Effects of irritant chemicals on Aedes aegypti resting behavior: is there a simple shift to untreated "safe sites"?

Background: Previous studies have identified the behavioral responses of Aedes aegypti to irritant and repellent chemicals that can be exploited to reduce man-vector contact. Maximum efficacy of interventions based on irritant chemical actions will, however, require full knowledge of variables that influence vector resting behavior and how untreated "safe sites" contribute to overall impact.

Methods: Using a laboratory box assay, resting patterns of two population strains of female Ae.

Space optimizing methods for laboratory rearing of Aedes aegypti.

Methods used to rear Aedes aegypti larvae were modified to maximize production under limited space requirements. Traditionally, 150 larvae were reared in 25 x 42 x 5-cm pans containing 1 liter of water. It was noticed, however, that the larvae congregated during development and did not utilize the entire rearing environment.