Field testing of a lightweight, inexpensive, and customisable 3D-printed mosquito light trap in the UK

Abstract

Mosquito surveillance is a fundamental component of planning and evaluating vector control programmes. However, logistical and cost barriers can hinder the implementation of surveillance, particularly in vector-borne disease-endemic areas and in outbreak scenarios in remote areas where the need is often most urgent. The increasing availability and reduced cost of 3D printing technology offers an innovative approach to overcoming these challenges. In this study, we assessed the field performance of a novel, lightweight 3D-printed mosquito light trap baited with carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in comparison with two gold-standard traps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light trap baited with CO 2 , and the BG Sentinel 2 trap with BG-Lure and CO 2 . Traps were run for 12 nights in a Latin square design at Rainham Marshes, Essex, UK in September 2018. The 3D-printed trap showed equivalent catch rates to the two commercially available traps. The 3D-printed trap designs are distributed free of charge in this article with the aim of assisting entomological field studies across the world.

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

“…In recent years, 3D-printing technology has dramatically increased in availability and affordability for many different applications. In the case of mosquito traps, this technology allows the development of prototype components, allowing researchers to rapidly modify traps to suit their needs (Hoshi et al 2019). Printing a 3D trap similar to the CDC-light trap reduces the approximate per trap cost from $106 to $12.97 (Hoshi et al 2019).…”

“…In the case of mosquito traps, this technology allows the development of prototype components, allowing researchers to rapidly modify traps to suit their needs (Hoshi et al 2019). Printing a 3D trap similar to the CDC-light trap reduces the approximate per trap cost from $106 to $12.97 (Hoshi et al 2019). Thermoplastics used in 3D printing are relatively inexpensive, reducing per trap costs for surveillance programs after the initial purchase of 3D printers (Hoshi et al 2019).…”

“…Printing a 3D trap similar to the CDC-light trap reduces the approximate per trap cost from $106 to $12.97 (Hoshi et al 2019). Thermoplastics used in 3D printing are relatively inexpensive, reducing per trap costs for surveillance programs after the initial purchase of 3D printers (Hoshi et al 2019). Different plastics are available for 3D printing, depending on the application.…”

“…An immense benefit to 3D printed traps is the rapid replacement of parts damaged during trap operation. Additionally, the flexibility of 3D printing allows rapid modifications of trap design (Hoshi et al 2019). Overall, there is a lack of published literature about 3D-printed mosquito surveillance traps.…”

Illuminating nature’s beauty: modular, scalable and low-cost LED dome illumination system using 3D-printing technology

“…Today, additive manufacturing (3D-printing) is becoming more and more accessible. Due to both, low machine and material costs, especially fused deposition modelling (FDM) printers are increasingly popular in biology labs 25 – 29 and even field works 30 , 31 . The computer assisted design process facilitates an easy scaling of components, enabling the adaptation of the system to cover a wide range of differently sized samples (as suggested in 24 ).…”