Yeast-generated CO2: A convenient source of carbon dioxide for mosquito trapping using the BG-Sentinel® traps

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluates carbon dioxide (CO2) production from yeast/sugar mixtures and its efficiency as an attractant in BG-Sentinel traps. Methods: The rate of CO2 production was optimized for different yeast/sugar mixtures. The optimized mixture was then used as bait in BG-Sentinel traps. The efficiency of this bait was then compared to octenol baited traps. Results: The yeast/sugar (5 g: 280 g) in 300 mL water generated the highest volume of CO2. The CO2 baited traps caught significantly more mosquitoes than octenol baited traps. Conclusions: Yeast-produced CO2 can effectively replace octenol baits in BG traps. This will significantly reduce costs and allow sustainable mass-application of the CO2 baited traps in large scale surveillance programs.

Keywords

• Trinidad and Tobago
• Carbon dioxide bait
• BG sentinel trap
• Attractant