Citric Acid and Sodium Bicarbonate as an Alternative Carbon Dioxide Source for Mosquito Surveillance
Most mosquito surveillance programs rely on traps baited with carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) to attract host-seeking mosquitoes. The source of CO<sub>2</sub>, traditionally dry ice or gas cylinders, poses operational challenges, especially in remote locations. CO<sub>2...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Insects |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/16/1/90 |
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| Summary: | Most mosquito surveillance programs rely on traps baited with carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) to attract host-seeking mosquitoes. The source of CO<sub>2</sub>, traditionally dry ice or gas cylinders, poses operational challenges, especially in remote locations. CO<sub>2</sub> production from citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO<sub>3</sub>) using low-cost intravenous fluid bags (‘acid traps’) was evaluated in laboratory experiments. Field trials then compared the efficacy of these acid traps with dry ice traps. Using a 2 × 2 Latin square style design, trapping locations were established at two sites in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (one urban and another peri-urban), to assess trap performance in diverse environments. The laboratory results showed CO<sub>2</sub> production of sufficient amount and duration for overnight mosquito capture. Whilst field experiments showed that dry ice traps captured more mosquitoes (up to 59%) than acid traps, numbers were similar in the urban environment. At both sites, species composition was similar, with <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i>, <i>Aedes notoscriptus</i>, and <i>Aedes vigilax</i> predominantly collected, and these are known species of pest and public health concern. Further modifications to the acid traps could further improve CO<sub>2</sub> output and trap efficiency. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-4450 |