Design and construction of a trap for surveillance of the mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

The design of devices for monitoring the dengue vector Aedes aegypti(L.) provides a tool for entomological surveillance. Researchers from Industrial Design and Health departments at the Universidad Industrial de Santander –UIS-   developed experiments to study the behavior of A. aegypti gravid females that concluded with the design and construction of an operational prototype of a trap to lure and capture them. The variables studied were visual stimuli by means of shape and color contrast, combined with mineral water as a chemical cue to attract the gravid females. Through the process it was designed a system to ensure the retention of the mosquitoes inside the trap by the application of dark compartments. Thus, the perception of light and air flow coming from the outside is manipulated in order to mislead the mosquitoes from the way out. The designed trap meets product requirements of ergonomics and usability on the field and laboratory. The trap does not require electrical parts and does not need any source of energy to function. The trap prototype was produced in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in order to get a full translucent look of the inside. When installed in field is covered with a red elastic casing to potentiate its attraction function. The trap body has the shape of a truncated pyramid of square base that works as a chassis where the other functional components are assembled, all of its components are fully washable and can be replaced for new ones if damaged. The trap is composed by ten parts, the assembly process is consisted in five easy steps, has a neat and esthetic appearance, allows piling up for efficient storage. Tested in laboratory the trap got catch rates of 90.5%±5 within a five days period. This product has patent pending protection before the Colombian Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) issued Resolution No. 13-095.397-0000-0000