Making scents of mosquito lures: semiochemical attractants for adult mosquitoes

Thomas, Nyasha K. T., Berry, Colin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9943-548X and Sobhy, Islam S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4984-1823 2026. Making scents of mosquito lures: semiochemical attractants for adult mosquitoes. Parasites and Vectors 10.1186/s13071-026-07488-w

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Abstract

Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose a global health threat, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. As increasing insecticide resistance and ecological concerns challenge traditional vector control methods, semiochemical attractants have emerged as a promising enhancement for surveillance and population management. This review compiles recent advances in the chemical ecology of adult mosquitoes, focusing on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that influence key behaviours: sugar foraging, blood-feeding, mating and oviposition. We assess the behavioural relevance, chemical composition and experimental validation of attractant blends across major mosquito vector genera, including Aedes, Anopheles and Culex. Special attention is given to host- and microbe-derived VOCs, pathogen-modulated odours, plant-based lures and conspecific cues. By comparing the efficacy of synthetic and natural attractants and highlighting methodological limitations in VOC collection and testing, we identify knowledge gaps and propose directions for developing species- and context-specific lures. This comprehensive review provides a foundation for integrating attractant-based tools into sustainable vector control strategies.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Biosciences
Publisher:	BioMed Central
ISSN:	1756-3305
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	14 July 2026
Date of Acceptance:	22 May 2026
Last Modified:	14 Jul 2026 10:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/188194

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