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A mycelium-based carbon dioxide source for trapping vector mosquitoes
Dongmin Kim1, Tanise Moitinho S Stenn1, Vilma M Cooper1
1Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, USA.
Journal of Medical Entomology
|July 1, 2025
Summary
A new mycelium-based carbon dioxide (CO2) source effectively attracts significantly more mosquitoes to traps. This economical, long-lasting CO2 generator is ideal for large-scale vector mosquito surveillance, especially in remote areas.
Area of Science:
- Vector-borne disease control
- Entomology
- Environmental science
Background:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is crucial for attracting mosquitoes to traps.
- Current CO2 sources are often expensive, short-lived, and labor-intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel mycelium-based CO2 source (ExHale bag) for attracting mosquitoes.
- To assess its effectiveness in passive and active traps for vector surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Semi-field experiments compared Biogents gravid Aedes traps (BG-GAT) with and without ExHale bags against three mosquito species.
- Field validation tested ExHale in BG-GAT and BG-Sentinel traps at different locations.
Main Results:
- ExHale-baited BG-GAT traps captured significantly more mosquitoes (15.2–92.3× more in single-species, 21.7× more in mixed-species).
- Field trials showed ExHale-baited BG-GATs collected more mosquitoes (9.1× to 47.5×) and a broader species range.
- ExHale-baited BG-Sentinel traps showed a non-significant increase in female mosquito collection (1.4×).
Conclusions:
- The ExHale bag is an economical and effective CO2 source for passive mosquito traps.
- Its sustained CO2 release offers advantages for large-scale mosquito surveillance in resource-limited settings.
