Open AccessMosquito traps for urban surveillance: collection efficacy and potential for use by citizen scientists
Author(s) -
Bazin Mathieu,
Williams Craig R.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of vector ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.688
H-Index - 51
eISSN - 1948-7134
pISSN - 1081-1710
DOI - 10.1111/jvec.12288
Subject(s) - citizen science , aedes , biology , dengue fever , aedes aegypti , vector (molecular biology) , mosquito control , culex , software deployment , culex quinquefasciatus , ecology , virology , malaria , biochemistry , botany , larva , gene , immunology , recombinant dna , computer science , operating system
ABSTRACT Mosquito‐borne diseases are a pervasive public health problem on a global scale, and effective management of them requires well‐designed surveillance programs for both vectors and pathogens. Mosquito traps are a common component of such programs, and their reach can be expanded by engaging citizen scientists. In this study in a southern Australian city, we compared the mosquito collection efficacy of two types of traps and assessed their suitability for use in citizen science programs. BG Sentinels and BG Gravid Aedes Trap (BG‐GAT) traps both collected Aedes and Culex species in similar proportions, albeit with the former collecting approximately nine times as many mosquitoes. However, BG Sentinels have a greater per unit cost than BG‐GATs and are restricted to deployment near power outlets. Importantly, despite being devised for collection of Aedes (Stegomyia) dengue vectors (such as Aedes aegypti ), both traps can be effectively used in temperate climates for collection of a range of mosquito species. These traps could conceivably be used in citizen science programs to enhance the reach of surveillance at reduced cost.