Development and Validation of a Three-Dimensional Printed Multifunctional Trap for Surveillance of Mosquitoes

Abstract

An essential component of vector-borne disease monitoring programs is mosquito surveillance. Surveillance efforts employ various collection traps depending on mosquito species and targeted life-history stage, i.e., eggs, larvae, host-seeking, resting, or gravid adults. Surveillance activities often use commercial traps, sometimes modified to accept specific mosquito species attractants. The advent of widely available and affordable 3D printing technology allows the construction of novel trap designs and components. The study goal was to develop and assess a cost-effective, multipurpose, 6-volt mosquito trap integrating features of both host-seeking and gravid mosquito traps to collect undamaged live specimens: a multifunctional mosquito trap (MMT). We tested the MMT in comparison to commercial traps, targeting gravid Aedes albopictus, host-seeking Ae. albopictus, and total number of host-seeking mosquitos regardless of species. Field evaluations found the MMT performed as well as or better than comparable commercial traps. This project demonstrates an easy to construct, inexpensive, and versatile mosquito trap, potentially useful for surveying multiple mosquito species and other hematophagous insects by varying attractants into the MMT.

Do it yourself: 3D-printed miniature CDC trap for adult mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) surveillance

“…A model is presented by Hoshi et al [ 13 ], but may be less rugged to the wear and tear of routine use. Another design is the Multifunctional Mosquito Trap (MMT) developed by Reinbold-Wasson and Reiskind [ 14 ]. The MMT is a unique hybrid between gravid and sentinel traps intended to target container-inhabiting Aedes sp.…”

“…There is still ample room to grow the concepts of on-site manufacturing (such as through 3D printing). For the few other contributions in this area [ 13 , 14 ], the consensus is to embrace modification and creative problem solving using these tools to improve mosquito surveillance in a cost-effective manner. For example, gravid trap designs [ 19 ], downdraft/updraft trap experimentation, or hybrids such as the MMT [ 14 ], are all avenues for future investigation.…”

“…Generally, designs for self-manufacture of mosquito surveillance traps are currently a low published area in literature. A model is presented by Hoshi et al [13], but may be less rugged [14]. The MMT is a unique hybrid between gravid and sentinel traps intended to target container-inhabiting Aedes sp.…”

“…However, rapid technological growth of on-site-manufacturing, such as laser cutting and three-dimensional (3D) printing, have made constructing mosquito traps easier for organizations of all sizes. New fabrication approaches have yielded rapid, affordable, modular, and more accessible trap models [ 11 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Effectiveness of autocidal gravid trapping and chemical control in altering abundance and age structure of Aedes albopictus

“…albopictus than the AGOs, although the CDC Gravid Traps outperformed both 31 . When compared with BG‐Sentinel traps, GATs treated with insecticidal sprays collected a similar number of, if slightly fewer, Aedes females and captured more gravid females 32–34 . GATs tested without insecticidal treatments – sticky cards or canola oil – also performed just as well as GATs treated with insecticides in capturing Ae.…”