A study on improvement of performance of commercial mosquito trap by using additional bio-attractant factor

Abstract

A variety of mosquito traps have been developed and used in survey and surveillance programmes that are useful in forecasting of vector and disease prevalence and in planning of vector measures. Though, a number of commercial mosquito traps have been introduced, their direct use in control of mosquito populations has been poorly investigated. Recently findings of a study have demonstrated that one of the portable commercial traps, Terminator-I, is effective in capturing and controlling mosquitoes. In the present study, the possibility of increasing efficiency of terminator-I was explored. Four card board strips impregnated with a number of sweet solutions (sugar, fermented sugar, honey, fermented honey) were fixed in the trap. In control traps non-impregnated strips were fixed. Perusal of findings revealed that the number of mosquitoes caught was higher in all experimental systems. Even the plain water impregnated mats provided slightly better results than the control. The maximum increase (~162%) was noticed in fermenting than non fermenting solutions. Not only the quantity but the quality of the catch was also affected. In control traps, the presence of male and non-gravid female mosquitoes was rare. While in experimental traps, it was slightly higher. The Terminator-I is installed with UV lamp and a photo catalytic plate to generate carbon dioxide, heat and moisture as attractive cues and hence it mimics the human host. Inclusion of fermenting solution is supposed to provide an extra source of carbon dioxide, moisture and food (nectar) mimicking aroma for non-gravid female and male mosquitoes.