A nestable fiber pot for sampling resting mosquitoes

Area of Science:

• Vector ecology
• Arbovirus surveillance
• Entomology

Background:

• Arbovirus monitoring programs rely on effective vector mosquito sampling.
• Traditional methods like resting boxes and CDC light traps have limitations in cost and usability.
• Evaluating novel, cost-effective sampling devices is crucial for enhancing surveillance programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a commercially available fiber pot device for sampling resting vector mosquitoes.
• To compare the effectiveness of fiber pots against conventional resting boxes and CDC light traps.
• To assess the practicality and resource efficiency of using fiber pots in arbovirus monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of nestable fiber pots for mosquito collection.
• Comparison of mosquito species and bloodfed individuals captured by fiber pots versus resting boxes and CDC light traps.
• Assessment of usability, transport, storage, and cost-effectiveness of fiber pots.

Main Results:

• Fiber pots captured similar numbers of Culiseta melanura mosquitoes compared to conventional resting boxes.
• Fiber pots collected more Cs. melanura and bloodfed mosquitoes than CDC light traps, but fewer total species.
• Fiber pots demonstrated superior ease of use, transport, storage, and lower cost compared to traditional devices.

Conclusions:

• Fiber pots are a practical and resource-efficient alternative for arbovirus vector mosquito monitoring.
• The use of fiber pots can enhance the cost-effectiveness of arbovirus surveillance programs.
• Fiber pots provide a viable option for collecting key vector species, particularly Cs. melanura.