Evaluation of the behavioural responses of Anthrenus verbasci adults and larvae to permethrin (ec) using a computerized tracking system

The behavioural responses of Anthrenus verbasci adults and larvae to permethrin 25% emulsion concentrate (ec) and the insect repellent N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) were assessed using a computerized insect tracking system. A. verbasci were exposed to filter papers half treated with 50, 100, 150 or 200 mg/m² permethrin ec or 250 mg/m² DEET. A. verbasci larvae did not respond to DEET; however, on papers half treated with 50, 100 or 150 mg/m² permethrin ec, significantly less time was spent on the treated side than on the untreated side. In addition, there were significantly more attempted crossings away from the treated side than away from the untreated side. Adult A. verbasci spent significantly less time on the treated side than the untreated side of papers half treated with 250 mg/m² DEET. Adults on permethrin made more attempted crossings away from the untreated side than away from the treated side dosed at 100 or 150 mg/m².