Laboratory and Field Performance of Five Cheap Commercial Light Traps for Capturing Mosquitoes In China

Abstract

BackgroundMosquito light traps for household use are popular because they are small, cheap, user friendly, and environmentally friendly. At present, there are many variations and specifications of mosquito traps intended for household use on the market. Their labels claim they are powerful, but research and evaluation of their claims is lacking.MethodsThis article tested the key parameters, the laboratory capture rates, and the field capture rate of 5 popular mosquito traps intended for household use. ResultsThe study found that in the laboratory experiment, the capture rate of the mosquito traps selected was between 34.7%-65.0%. The analysis showed that the fan speed, and design of the air guide of the traps are important factors that affect the mosquito catch rate. Field tests in the greenhouse found that the 5 mosquito traps had high catch rates for Culex quinquefasciatus. The average percentage of Cx. quinquefasciatus, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles sinensis, and other flying insects captured every night was 51.76%, 25.29%, 14.12%, and 8.82%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the capture rate of Ae. Albopictus and An. sinensis by the 5 mosquito traps in the greenhouse, but a significant difference in the catch rate of Cx. Quinquefasciatu. ConclusionsThe ultraviolet wavelength (395-400nm) involved in the selected mosquito traps is not the main reason that affects the mosquito catching effect, but the fan speed and the air guide may be the reason for the difference in the catching effect among the five mosquito traps. Therefore, the mosquito traps intended for household use can be improved by adjusting the fan speed and optimizing the air guide.