Controlling a kisser: fermented products and commercial insects' lures as attractants of kissing bugs.

Abstract

Triatomines (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) are hematophagous insects, well-known for their vectorial role in transmitting Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) parasites, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Trapping these insects would limit human-triatomine interaction and, thus, control the disease. In this context, there is a critical need for effective lures to control triatomines. Through double-choice bioassays, we investigated the preference of Triatoma infestans Klug, T. pallidipennis Stal, and Rhodnius prolixus Stal triatomines for: (a) volatiles from fermented products (various fermentation types and substrates) and (b) commercial insect lures. Furthermore, we identified the chemical composition of these volatiles through headspace collection using Solid Phase Micro Extraction coupled with Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Volatiles from lactic fermentation and certain fermented fruits, along with commercial lures, attracted triatomines, while other products exhibited possible repellent or dislodging properties. These findings hold promise for the control of triatomines and, ultimately, Chagas disease.