Natural carbon dioxide generation for the attraction of blood feeding arthropods

Hematophagous arthropods are attracted to elevated carbon dioxide levels because it is closely associated with host blood meal availability. Bottled gas or frozen (dry ice) carbon dioxide are commonly used in surveillance programs and field collection techniques to increase the number of species and individuals collected. Both methods are costly, cumbersome, and often difficult to find in close proximity to sampling locations. Therefore a natural method of producing carbon dioxide is necessary. Presented here are optimal recipes (sugar, water, and microorganisms) for prolonged carbon dioxide production under various environmental conditions. Bacteria varieties and additives are discussed for their abilities to prolong and improve consistency of the carbon dioxide released. Lastly, a novel seal is presented which allows for carbon dioxide release while maintaining the anaerobic environment.