Abstract
FEMALE mosquitoes may become “aware” of a nearby host by a rise in the prevailing concentration of carbon dioxide which causes them to fly off and begin a generally up-wind search1,2. Once activation has taken place the “attack programme” uses multiple clues to target location of which the most important are convection currents from the body of the host, and, during the day, visual stimuli. If the insects fail to detect these emanations from the host, and if the raised concentration of carbon dioxide is maintained, they soon come to rest again, presumably because they adapt to the new concentration of carbon dioxide2.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Burgess, L., Nature, 184, 1968 (1959).
Daykin, P. N., Kellogg, F. E., and Wright, R. H., Canad. Entomol., 97 (3), 239 (1965).
Daykin, P. N., and Kellogg, F. E., Canad. Entomol., 97 (3), 264 (1965).
King, W. V., Chemicals Evaluated as Insecticides and Repellents at Orlando, Fla. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Handbook No. 69, 1954).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
SIMPSON, J., WRIGHT, R. Area Treatment to Combat Mosquitoes. Nature 214, 113–114 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1038/214113b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/214113b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.