A Bias-free Sampling and Collection Trap for Resting Mosquitoes

This CDC developed collection device is a small (approximately 1 cubic foot) open-sided container that attracts mosquitoes seeking a daytime resting location. The container is dark-colored and constructed of molded wood-fiber or recycled, high-density plastic. Mosquitoes that enter the dark space of the container are aspirated through a battery-powered fan into a collection receptacle. The receptacle is especially attractive to Culex and Anopheles mosquitos' vectors of West Nile Virus and malaria parasites, respectively.

For research aims, this device avoids the sampling biases associated with CO₂-baited traps (attracting mosquitoes in host-seeking mode, about a tenth of the population, and only females) or ovitraps/gravid traps (attract egg-laying females, again about a tenth of the population), making this device superior to other mosquito-sampling traps currently in use. Because all adult mosquitoes must find secluded locations to rest every day, this device samples all sectors of the mosquito population. It also represents a highly effective trap for blood-engorged mosquitoes that rarely enter other types of traps.