Field Evaluation of a Redesigned Oviposition Trap to Monitor Gravid Invasive Aedes Mosquitoes in a Suburban Environment

Abstract

Oviposition cup traps (OCT) are commonly used to detect gravid invasive Aedes mosquitoes. Employing OCT during hot summer months or over broad geographic areas is labor intensive because the water in these small-volume traps must be frequently replenished to maintain their attractiveness to mosquitoes. We developed low-cost and simple-to-build oviposition bucket traps (OBT) that attract mosquitoes for more than 1 wk. Comparison of adjacently placed OCT and OBT in the city of Madera, CA, showed OBT captured significantly more Ae. aegypti eggs per trap-night relative to the OCT (8.8 6 2.6 and 4.1 6 1.1, respectively; paired t-test, P ¼ 0.0076), and a significantly greater proportion of OBT contained Ae. aegypti eggs relative to OCT (83% of OBT and 65% of OCT; Fisher's exact test, P ¼ 0.0214). The results suggest that OBT can collect larger quantities of Ae. aegypti eggs relative to OCT while potentially offering greater flexibility in scheduling trap inspections.