Field Evaluation of Commonly Used Adult Mosquito Traps in Greece

Entomological monitoring activities are a major part of mosquito and mosquito-borne diseases surveillance. Several trapping methods are implemented worldwide, aiming to gather data on species composition and their abundance in various study areas. Several methodological modifications, such as trapping systems baited with attractants or carbon dioxide, have been proposed to increase trap efficiency. The aim of this study was to test different trap types, commonly used in Greece to collect mosquitoes, with the addition of the Biogents Sentinel lure. Moreover, traps were placed in two distinct land types and two different heights above the ground to compare their efficacy. West Nile Virus is endemic in Greece, so we also aimed to detect viral presence and circulation in selected mosquito pools. Adult mosquitoes of Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens s.l., and Culiseta longiareolata were collected in both study areas. The trap type had a significant impact on the total collections, while the trap position and interaction between trap and position did not significantly affect mosquito catches. WNV was detected in Cx. pipiens s.l. pools examined from the two study areas. This study emphasizes the role of trapping methods as a key component for monitoring and surveillance of adult mosquito populations, reflecting that several trap types present with different mosquito species capture and catch rates.