Ovitrap

Ovitrap.

An ovitrap is a device which consists of a black cylinder with a piece of cardboard. This device is used to control the aedes mosquito population. It can monitor, control and detect aedes mosquito populations thus acting as an early warning signal to preempt any impending dengue outbreaks.^[1]

The black ovitrap attracts female mosquitoes to lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch and develop into adults, they cannot fly out of the device and die inside the trap. The extensive use of the ovitrap in a community can be used in Aedes population control and effectively reduce the Aedes population in that area. It has been used in countries like Singapore, United States and Hong Kong since the 1970s.

Analysis can be done on the ovitrap breeding data collected weekly to identify mosquito breeding hotspots and risk areas when there is a danger of high Aedes aegypti infestation. Three ovitrap models had been developed to analyse the ovitrap breeding data collected. The analysis results are used to plan vector surveillance and control operations.

See also

• Mosquito control

References

1. ^ Jakob WL, Bevier GA (1969). "Application of ovitraps in the US Aedes aegypti eradication program". Mosq News 29: 55–62. ISSN 0027-142X.