Larval habitat distribution and mosquito movement effects on barrier trapping strategies

A barrier of traps to protect people in targeted locations from mosquito bites is potentially very effective, but relatively little is known about the ideal trap layouts.   Aedes albopictus is a common pest in many areas, and can be a concern for disease transmission.   We developed a model of adult emergence and movement in space to assess trapping strategies and factors that influence the protection achieved.   The model was developed from an earlier model of Aedes taeniorhynchus, with modifications to the larval habitat distribution and mosquito movement rules.  Sensitivity analyses were used to assess the effect of larval habitat distribution, mosquito movement, wind speed, attractiveness of the target zone, and trap efficiency on the efficacy of the trapping strategies.  Surprisingly, larval habitat distribution had little impact on the relative ranking of the trap strategies and thus would not have to be considered in planning trap layouts.  Two strategies were chosen for a field study based on efficacy and operational ease.  Each strategy and no traps were alternated weekly and the relative efficacy determined.  The results of the model, field studies and the ability of the model to predict efficacy of trapping strategies will be discussed.