Efficacy of Gravid Traps in Trapping Culex pipiens

Abstract

Members of the Culex pipiens complex are principal vectors for West Nile virus (WNV) in the USA. Previous studies have shown that gravid traps might be more effective than CO2-baited traps in sampling for Cx. pipiens. We compared the efficacy of gravid traps manufactured by 3 different companies: Bioquip, Clarke, and J. W. Hock. All gravid traps have a similar setup to hold the oviposition attractant but differ in the way they collect the mosquitoes. The gravid trap manufactured by J. W. Hock Company trapped significantly more Cx. pipiens than the other traps. Because CO2-baited American Biophysics Corporation (ABC) traps are most often used by mosquito abatement agencies, we compared the efficacy of the Hock gravid trap with a CO2-baited ABC trap. There was no significant difference in the number of Cx. pipiens trapped between the Hock gravid and CO2-baited ABC trap. Because gravid traps predominantly attract previously bloodfed females (thereby aiding in WNV surveillance) and are logistically easier and cheaper to set up, we argue that the Hock gravid trap might be ideal for sampling Cx. pipiens populations.