ARS | Publication request: An innovative mosquito trap for testing attractants

Submitted to: Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 19, 2011
Publication Date: February 1, 2012
Citation: Dees, W.H., Sylvester, T.L., Clark, B.M., Canning, L.D., Schultz, G.W., Kline, D.L. 2012. An innovative mosquito trap for testing attractants. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 28(1):62-64.

Interpretive Summary: A major emphasis of current pest management research by scientists at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL, is the development of selective, environmentally friendly methods of control. Mosquito control research is no exception. Success will depend upon the development of efficient trapping technology, effective attractants and strategic placement of these baited traps for maximum impact on the target population. The present work was undertaken as a collaborative project with scientists at McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA to develop a new approach for evaluating candidate compounds as attractants. The project resulted in a simple trap modification that allows compounds to be tested individually, in combination and in various concentrations. This modification could lead to the development of better survey tools for both nuisance and disease pathogen carrying mosquitoes.

Technical Abstract: We describe a simple trap modification for testing or using attractants to collect flying mosquitoes. The trap also can test the effectiveness of spatial repellents. The proposed design may facilitate standardized testing of mosquito attractants and repellents. The trap uses a standard Centers for Disease Control-type trap modified for variable release of test chemicals. Test chemicals and other materials can be added and removed easily without spills or cross-contamination. Trap modifications cost less than $2.00 per trap. In preliminary attractant studies using octenol and lactic acid, all traps baited with attractants collected more mosquitoes than controls.