the new mosquito scent

I suppose smelling "nonanal" should be considered a good thing, except that it makes one irresistible to certain mosquitoes. In a neat ScienceNOW article by Martin Enserink, the author describes new research by entomologists at U.C. Davis to identify chemical compounds produced by our bodies that attract mosquitoes. It turns out that some people produce a good quantity of nonanal, a compound also produced by birds such as chickens and pigeons that are the preferred blood sources for mosquitoes like Culex pipiens, an important vector of West Nile Virus. The poor souls who produce nonanal in bird-like quantity are probably the same folks who get eaten alive at backyard cookouts while other folks suffer nary a nibble from those little winged fiends. No doubt new research will build from this work, especially in the realm of mosquito traps that incorporate nonanal in their lures.

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night October 27th, 2009 | Mosquito News Science Blog: Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have identified the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts the blood-feeding Culex mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile virus and other life-threatening diseases. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Building a Better Mosquito Trap

UC Davis scientists who have been sussing out mosquitoes' sniffers have made a discovery that could lead to really killer bug traps. Chemical ecologists Walter Leal and Zain Syed identified a chemical called nonanal in humans—and, crucially, birds—that serves as a signal for the Culex species of mosquito. Nonanal is a metabolic product of fatty acid, and while it's unclear what its function is for us, for hungry mosquitoes it's like a "BITE HERE" sign. The scientists tested hundreds of compounds that birds and humans have and found that sensitive mosquito antennae can detect even minute amounts of nonanal. They used the chemical as a lure and waited to see how bloodsucking, West-Nile-Virus carrying Culex mosquitoes would react. Leal says when they added carbon dioxide to nonanal, the combo attracted more mosquitoes than each of them combined. A heavy duty CO2 trap they put in nearby Yolo County caught around 2,000 of mosquitoes nightly. Leal says synthetic nonanal is dirt cheap to produce and he thinks that traps with it might be available next year. Next, the plan is to test other mosquito species' responses to the combo. Sadly, an effective DEET alternative is still elusive. Blocking nonanal and CO2 means mosquitoes will find a different signal, Leal reports. He also told me that if he had an effective repellent that decreased human attraction to mosquitoes, he'd be first in line. "They give me a tremendous allergic reaction." Photo: UC Davis chemical ecologists Walter Leal (left) and Zain Syed in the lab. Credit: Kathy Keatley Garvey/UC Davis Department of Entomology. en tested for safety on humans, he noted.

Regulatory Decision Document Octenol (1-Octen-3-ol)e

The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system. The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system.

Malaria-Proof Mosquito Created

THE GIST A malaria-destroying mosquito has been created by Arizona scientists. The exact mechanism for this resistance is unknown, but could be due to the insect's immune system or diet. The new mosquito won't be released into the wild anytime soon. enlargeAn estimated 250 million people are infected by the four kinds of Plasmodium each year. Click to enlarge this image. iStockphoto RELATED CONTENT Synchronized wing beats help mosquitoes meet their mates. Mosquito Parasite Fights Infectious Disease Do-It-Yourself Mosquito Vacuum RELATED TOPICS Immune System Insects Mosquito A "malaria-proof" mosquito has been created by scientists who have engineered a genetic "on" switch that permanently activates a malaria-destroying response, according to their report in the journal Public Library of Science Pathogens. If these mosquitoes are successfully introduced into the wild, they could prevent millions of people from becoming infected with life-threatening Plasmodium -- the parasite that causes malaria. "We were surprised how well this works," said Michael Riehle, a professor at the University of Arizona and a co-author of the new PLoS Pathogens paper. "We were just hoping to see some effect on the mosquitoes' growth rate, lifespan or their susceptibility to the parasite. But it was great to see that our construct blocked the infection process completely." An estimated 250 million people are infected by the four kinds of Plasmodium each year, but each infection comes from female Anopheles mosquitoes. While sucking blood to feed her brood, the mosquito ingests an average of 40 Plasmodium parasites. The parasites develop on the mosquitoes mid-gut, while the insect's immune system does its best to thin the herd. A few parasites escape and eventually migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands, where they sit, ready to infect the next unfortunate victim. The scientists focused on the parasites as they develop by targeting the Akt gene. Previous studies have shown that Akt affects a mosquito's longevity, immune system and digestion -- all of which could affect the bug's susceptibility to malaria. As a result, the team engineered a special version of the Akt gene into the eggs of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. After infecting the mosquitoes with Plasmodium parasites and allowing them to develop, the scientists examined the mosquitoes. They found no trace of the malaria parasites in mosquitoes that had the amped up version of Akt. Exactly how Akt eliminates malaria in mosquitoes is unknown. Older mosquitoes are more likely to carry malaria than younger mosquitoes, and Akt mosquitoes die sooner. That suggests age might be a factor. The mosquito's immune system naturally destroys many malaria parasites so it stands to reason that a beefed up immune system could destroy all of the parasites. The mosquito's digestive system could also simply consume the parasites as it digests its blood meal. "What they've done is take a key point in the insulin signaling pathway, and expressed an active form of it in the gut," said Mark Brown, a doctor at the University of Georgia who is familiar with the new research. Akt, said Brown, "could be activated at any step along that process." Regardless of how Akt works, it won't be working for any mosquitoes in the wild any time soon. "We are at least a decade away from actually releasing mosquitoes into the wild," said Riehle. The engineered mosquitoes could mate with wild mosquitoes, but that the team still needs a more effective way to drive the inserted genes through the entire population. Research labs across the world are trying to solve that exact problem, but so far no solution has been developed.

1-Octen-3-ol (069037) Fact

The groundbreaking research, published this week in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains why mosquitoes shifted hosts from birds to humans and paves the way for key developments in mosquito and disease control. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. "Nonanal is how they find us," Leal said. "The antennae of the Culex quinquefasciatus are highly developed to detect even extremely low concentrations of nonanal." Mosquitoes detect smells with the olfactory receptor neurons of their antennae. Birds, the main hosts of mosquitoes, serve as the reservoir for the West Nile virus, Leal said. When infected mosquitoes take a blood meal, they transmit the virus to their hosts, which include birds, humans, horses, dogs, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels and domestic rabbits. Since 1999, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recorded 29,397 human cases and 1,147 fatalities in the United States alone. The UC Davis researchers tested hundreds of naturally occurring compounds emitted by people and birds. They collected chemical odors from 16 adult human subjects, representing multiple races and ethnic groups. "We then determined the specificity and sensitivity of the olfactory receptor neurons to the isolated compounds on the antennae of the mosquitoes," Syed said. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Mostrap

Introduction Mosquitoes easily locate their prey by sensing the carbon dioxide and warmth that warm-blooded mammals give off, as well as natural by-products such as octenol and lactic acid. Like most insects, they are also attracted by ultraviolet light. Mostrap utilizes these active attractants to lure mosquitoes as well as other biting insects away from humans and into the trap, where they dehydrate and die. Unlike many traditional eradication methods, Mostrap does not rely on harmful chemicals, pesticides and repellents, flames, or exposed high voltage parts, and is safe for indoor use, even around children. The attractants, which are natural by-products of respiration, are locked securely at the bottom of the trap, and moving parts such as fans are safely enclosed. Mostrap can be used either as a standalone trap providing protection in a small area, or as part of a larger abatement and control system protecting an entire premise. Features The Mostrap may be hanged, or placed on a table roughly 90cm - 120cm (3 - 4 feet) off the ground. All electronic components of the unit are weather-sealed, and the unit may be deployed both in- and outdoors. No high-voltage parts are exposed where humans or pets may come into accidental contact. Mostrap is designed to be left on 24/7, to provide constant protection for you and your family. The Mostrap uses several physical as well as natural attractants to optimally lure mosquitoes and other biting insects away from humans: Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide is a significant component of breath exhaled by humans and most other animals. Although odorless to humans, mosquitoes and many other biting insects are especially attuned to the scent of carbon dioxide, and can smell it from as far as 36 meters away. Mostrap generates small amounts of carbon dioxide to mimic prey, attracting mosquitoes away from humans. The volume of carbon dioxide produced by the Mostrap is large enough to attract mosquitoes, but is still insignificant compared to that which is already found in the air we breathe. It is completely non-toxic to humans. Lactic Acid Lactic acid is the substance muscles produce as a by-product of exercise. Through sweat and perspiration, small amounts of lactic acid are released into the air, the scent of which also attracts mosquitoes. Lactic acid is odorless in the amounts released by Mostrap. The attractant is contained securely in the locked base of the trap, so that children and pets will not come into accidental contact with it. Octenol Octenol is a chemical contained in small quantities in human breath and sweat. It is odorless at the levels released by Mostrap, and like all our active attractants, it is stored such that accidental contact is minimized. Ultraviolet Light A large variety of insect pests are attracted to ultraviolet (UV) light, as a result of the structure of their compound eyes. Insects fly towards the light until they are sucked into the trap by its powerful fan. Mostrap is principally a dry, dehydration trap. Insects which fly close to the opening will be caught in the fan's vortex, and are sucked into the catch box where they dehydrate and die. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, and are unable to escape the air currents in the catch box. The catch box will accumulate a significant quantity of dead insects after prolonged operation, and should be emptied periodically. Specifications Voltage 220V - 240V (AC) Power 18W (Operational) Effective Range 30 - 40 sqm Weight 1.2kg Dimensions 250mm (L) * 250mm (W) * 340mm (H)

How Mosquito Traps Work

It is generally accepted that there are two key elements to a successful mosquito trap. First the ability to attract mosquitoes to the trap and second the ability to get the mosquitoes into the trap. The first element usually involves long distance attractants which stimulate mosquitoes to become active and fly towards the trap. This can be visual stimuli in the form of ultra violet light at spectrum frequencies below 400 nanometres which means that light is invisible (so-called black lights) and visible spectrum frequencies which can vary depending on the species involved. Darker colours like blue and black or contrasting colours like black and white are also thought to attract different species. Movement may play an important role. Chemical stimuli which duplicate animal respiration and activity are known attractants of mosquitoes. Concentrations of CO2 are increased in the air breathed out by humans and other animals. Perspiration includes many chemical compounds including traces of lactic acid, chemicals similar to 1-Octen-3-ol and moisture. Having got the mosquitoes to the trap it is then necessary to get them inside where they die and can be easily disposed of. Usually this involves use of a net or a wet catch container in some instances. Some traps claim to get mosquitoes inside the trap by means of a powerful suction fan which creates a vacuum. Others have features which are designed to excite mosquitoes and cause them to begin probing and then to enter the trap where they are swept into the catch areas. Some traps are designed to zap or electrocute mosquitoes which of course makes it difficult to determine capture rates of target species. There are thousands of mosquito species worldwide. Each species is unique and each is attracted by different combinations of sensory stimuli. The trick for the mosquito trap manufacturer is to use combinations of stimuli which attract the target species. Some manufacturers have gone to extraordinary lengths in this regard. For example the gas release system on the Mega-Catch? ULTRA is designed to replicate a key element of human respiration. It works by releasing quantities of pure CO2 at varying rates over fixed intervals to produce an exponentially decaying concentration gradient in the air plume emanating from the lower part of the trap with mosquitoes using this concentration gradient to navigate their way to the trap. Mosquito Magnet? traps use counter flow technology with a patented catalytic converter to produce CO2, heat and moisture to attract mosquitoes. They also say that most mosquitoes require a secondary attractant to hone in on the trap for which they offer either Octenol or Lurex3?. On their website they note that Lurex3? attracts hard-to-catch, aggressive day-biters such as the Asian Tiger mosquito. Kaz Inc. also offer a combination lure with their "Nosquito? by Stinger 2-in-1 power bait" (a combination of Octenol and Lactic acid) and Mega-Catch? offer an Octenol lure as well as a combination lure (Octenol and Lactic acid). Mosquito traps can be a very effective component in the management of mosquitoes in any situation, domestic or commercial. There are many benefits of using mosquito traps in areas that there are animals, as well as day care centres, schools, restaurants just to mention a few. Traps can also be used as an effective tool by entomologists and mosquito control agencies when researching mosquito species. All control agencies require data to enable them to identify what species are living in their area that they are researching. Most traps catch the mosquitoes using a fan which sucks them into a container/catch net where they expire. This enables the entomologist to have an actual mosquito that they can easily identify in the laboratory. In addition to using traps, most manufacturers also recommend that you should use other forms of control such as the use of repellents and ensure your yard is free from standing water. Remember that using mosquito traps will not totally eliminate mosquitoes and the aim of a trap is to interrupt the breeding cycle and decrease the population of mosquitoes. It is also important to note that the more mosquito traps you have in an area the better. So when you are reading this website and make a decision on which model trap is best for you, be sure to spread the word to your neighbours. The more traps in use in your neighbourhood the better

the new mosquito scent

I suppose smelling "nonanal" should be considered a good thing, except that it makes one irresistible to certain mosquitoes. In a neat ScienceNOW article by Martin Enserink, the author describes new research by entomologists at U.C. Davis to identify chemical compounds produced by our bodies that attract mosquitoes. It turns out that some people produce a good quantity of nonanal, a compound also produced by birds such as chickens and pigeons that are the preferred blood sources for mosquitoes like Culex pipiens, an important vector of West Nile Virus. The poor souls who produce nonanal in bird-like quantity are probably the same folks who get eaten alive at backyard cookouts while other folks suffer nary a nibble from those little winged fiends. No doubt new research will build from this work, especially in the realm of mosquito traps that incorporate nonanal in their lures.

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night October 27th, 2009 | Mosquito News Science Blog: Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have identified the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts the blood-feeding Culex mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile virus and other life-threatening diseases. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Building a Better Mosquito Trap

UC Davis scientists who have been sussing out mosquitoes' sniffers have made a discovery that could lead to really killer bug traps. Chemical ecologists Walter Leal and Zain Syed identified a chemical called nonanal in humans—and, crucially, birds—that serves as a signal for the Culex species of mosquito. Nonanal is a metabolic product of fatty acid, and while it's unclear what its function is for us, for hungry mosquitoes it's like a "BITE HERE" sign. The scientists tested hundreds of compounds that birds and humans have and found that sensitive mosquito antennae can detect even minute amounts of nonanal. They used the chemical as a lure and waited to see how bloodsucking, West-Nile-Virus carrying Culex mosquitoes would react. Leal says when they added carbon dioxide to nonanal, the combo attracted more mosquitoes than each of them combined. A heavy duty CO2 trap they put in nearby Yolo County caught around 2,000 of mosquitoes nightly. Leal says synthetic nonanal is dirt cheap to produce and he thinks that traps with it might be available next year. Next, the plan is to test other mosquito species' responses to the combo. Sadly, an effective DEET alternative is still elusive. Blocking nonanal and CO2 means mosquitoes will find a different signal, Leal reports. He also told me that if he had an effective repellent that decreased human attraction to mosquitoes, he'd be first in line. "They give me a tremendous allergic reaction." Photo: UC Davis chemical ecologists Walter Leal (left) and Zain Syed in the lab. Credit: Kathy Keatley Garvey/UC Davis Department of Entomology. en tested for safety on humans, he noted.

Regulatory Decision Document Octenol (1-Octen-3-ol)e

The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system. The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system.

Malaria-Proof Mosquito Created

THE GIST A malaria-destroying mosquito has been created by Arizona scientists. The exact mechanism for this resistance is unknown, but could be due to the insect's immune system or diet. The new mosquito won't be released into the wild anytime soon. enlargeAn estimated 250 million people are infected by the four kinds of Plasmodium each year. Click to enlarge this image. iStockphoto RELATED CONTENT Synchronized wing beats help mosquitoes meet their mates. Mosquito Parasite Fights Infectious Disease Do-It-Yourself Mosquito Vacuum RELATED TOPICS Immune System Insects Mosquito A "malaria-proof" mosquito has been created by scientists who have engineered a genetic "on" switch that permanently activates a malaria-destroying response, according to their report in the journal Public Library of Science Pathogens. If these mosquitoes are successfully introduced into the wild, they could prevent millions of people from becoming infected with life-threatening Plasmodium -- the parasite that causes malaria. "We were surprised how well this works," said Michael Riehle, a professor at the University of Arizona and a co-author of the new PLoS Pathogens paper. "We were just hoping to see some effect on the mosquitoes' growth rate, lifespan or their susceptibility to the parasite. But it was great to see that our construct blocked the infection process completely." An estimated 250 million people are infected by the four kinds of Plasmodium each year, but each infection comes from female Anopheles mosquitoes. While sucking blood to feed her brood, the mosquito ingests an average of 40 Plasmodium parasites. The parasites develop on the mosquitoes mid-gut, while the insect's immune system does its best to thin the herd. A few parasites escape and eventually migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands, where they sit, ready to infect the next unfortunate victim. The scientists focused on the parasites as they develop by targeting the Akt gene. Previous studies have shown that Akt affects a mosquito's longevity, immune system and digestion -- all of which could affect the bug's susceptibility to malaria. As a result, the team engineered a special version of the Akt gene into the eggs of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. After infecting the mosquitoes with Plasmodium parasites and allowing them to develop, the scientists examined the mosquitoes. They found no trace of the malaria parasites in mosquitoes that had the amped up version of Akt. Exactly how Akt eliminates malaria in mosquitoes is unknown. Older mosquitoes are more likely to carry malaria than younger mosquitoes, and Akt mosquitoes die sooner. That suggests age might be a factor. The mosquito's immune system naturally destroys many malaria parasites so it stands to reason that a beefed up immune system could destroy all of the parasites. The mosquito's digestive system could also simply consume the parasites as it digests its blood meal. "What they've done is take a key point in the insulin signaling pathway, and expressed an active form of it in the gut," said Mark Brown, a doctor at the University of Georgia who is familiar with the new research. Akt, said Brown, "could be activated at any step along that process." Regardless of how Akt works, it won't be working for any mosquitoes in the wild any time soon. "We are at least a decade away from actually releasing mosquitoes into the wild," said Riehle. The engineered mosquitoes could mate with wild mosquitoes, but that the team still needs a more effective way to drive the inserted genes through the entire population. Research labs across the world are trying to solve that exact problem, but so far no solution has been developed.

1-Octen-3-ol (069037) Fact

The groundbreaking research, published this week in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains why mosquitoes shifted hosts from birds to humans and paves the way for key developments in mosquito and disease control. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. "Nonanal is how they find us," Leal said. "The antennae of the Culex quinquefasciatus are highly developed to detect even extremely low concentrations of nonanal." Mosquitoes detect smells with the olfactory receptor neurons of their antennae. Birds, the main hosts of mosquitoes, serve as the reservoir for the West Nile virus, Leal said. When infected mosquitoes take a blood meal, they transmit the virus to their hosts, which include birds, humans, horses, dogs, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels and domestic rabbits. Since 1999, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recorded 29,397 human cases and 1,147 fatalities in the United States alone. The UC Davis researchers tested hundreds of naturally occurring compounds emitted by people and birds. They collected chemical odors from 16 adult human subjects, representing multiple races and ethnic groups. "We then determined the specificity and sensitivity of the olfactory receptor neurons to the isolated compounds on the antennae of the mosquitoes," Syed said. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Mostrap

Introduction Mosquitoes easily locate their prey by sensing the carbon dioxide and warmth that warm-blooded mammals give off, as well as natural by-products such as octenol and lactic acid. Like most insects, they are also attracted by ultraviolet light. Mostrap utilizes these active attractants to lure mosquitoes as well as other biting insects away from humans and into the trap, where they dehydrate and die. Unlike many traditional eradication methods, Mostrap does not rely on harmful chemicals, pesticides and repellents, flames, or exposed high voltage parts, and is safe for indoor use, even around children. The attractants, which are natural by-products of respiration, are locked securely at the bottom of the trap, and moving parts such as fans are safely enclosed. Mostrap can be used either as a standalone trap providing protection in a small area, or as part of a larger abatement and control system protecting an entire premise. Features The Mostrap may be hanged, or placed on a table roughly 90cm - 120cm (3 - 4 feet) off the ground. All electronic components of the unit are weather-sealed, and the unit may be deployed both in- and outdoors. No high-voltage parts are exposed where humans or pets may come into accidental contact. Mostrap is designed to be left on 24/7, to provide constant protection for you and your family. The Mostrap uses several physical as well as natural attractants to optimally lure mosquitoes and other biting insects away from humans: Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide is a significant component of breath exhaled by humans and most other animals. Although odorless to humans, mosquitoes and many other biting insects are especially attuned to the scent of carbon dioxide, and can smell it from as far as 36 meters away. Mostrap generates small amounts of carbon dioxide to mimic prey, attracting mosquitoes away from humans. The volume of carbon dioxide produced by the Mostrap is large enough to attract mosquitoes, but is still insignificant compared to that which is already found in the air we breathe. It is completely non-toxic to humans. Lactic Acid Lactic acid is the substance muscles produce as a by-product of exercise. Through sweat and perspiration, small amounts of lactic acid are released into the air, the scent of which also attracts mosquitoes. Lactic acid is odorless in the amounts released by Mostrap. The attractant is contained securely in the locked base of the trap, so that children and pets will not come into accidental contact with it. Octenol Octenol is a chemical contained in small quantities in human breath and sweat. It is odorless at the levels released by Mostrap, and like all our active attractants, it is stored such that accidental contact is minimized. Ultraviolet Light A large variety of insect pests are attracted to ultraviolet (UV) light, as a result of the structure of their compound eyes. Insects fly towards the light until they are sucked into the trap by its powerful fan. Mostrap is principally a dry, dehydration trap. Insects which fly close to the opening will be caught in the fan's vortex, and are sucked into the catch box where they dehydrate and die. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, and are unable to escape the air currents in the catch box. The catch box will accumulate a significant quantity of dead insects after prolonged operation, and should be emptied periodically. Specifications Voltage 220V - 240V (AC) Power 18W (Operational) Effective Range 30 - 40 sqm Weight 1.2kg Dimensions 250mm (L) * 250mm (W) * 340mm (H)

How Mosquito Traps Work

It is generally accepted that there are two key elements to a successful mosquito trap. First the ability to attract mosquitoes to the trap and second the ability to get the mosquitoes into the trap. The first element usually involves long distance attractants which stimulate mosquitoes to become active and fly towards the trap. This can be visual stimuli in the form of ultra violet light at spectrum frequencies below 400 nanometres which means that light is invisible (so-called black lights) and visible spectrum frequencies which can vary depending on the species involved. Darker colours like blue and black or contrasting colours like black and white are also thought to attract different species. Movement may play an important role. Chemical stimuli which duplicate animal respiration and activity are known attractants of mosquitoes. Concentrations of CO2 are increased in the air breathed out by humans and other animals. Perspiration includes many chemical compounds including traces of lactic acid, chemicals similar to 1-Octen-3-ol and moisture. Having got the mosquitoes to the trap it is then necessary to get them inside where they die and can be easily disposed of. Usually this involves use of a net or a wet catch container in some instances. Some traps claim to get mosquitoes inside the trap by means of a powerful suction fan which creates a vacuum. Others have features which are designed to excite mosquitoes and cause them to begin probing and then to enter the trap where they are swept into the catch areas. Some traps are designed to zap or electrocute mosquitoes which of course makes it difficult to determine capture rates of target species. There are thousands of mosquito species worldwide. Each species is unique and each is attracted by different combinations of sensory stimuli. The trick for the mosquito trap manufacturer is to use combinations of stimuli which attract the target species. Some manufacturers have gone to extraordinary lengths in this regard. For example the gas release system on the Mega-Catch? ULTRA is designed to replicate a key element of human respiration. It works by releasing quantities of pure CO2 at varying rates over fixed intervals to produce an exponentially decaying concentration gradient in the air plume emanating from the lower part of the trap with mosquitoes using this concentration gradient to navigate their way to the trap. Mosquito Magnet? traps use counter flow technology with a patented catalytic converter to produce CO2, heat and moisture to attract mosquitoes. They also say that most mosquitoes require a secondary attractant to hone in on the trap for which they offer either Octenol or Lurex3?. On their website they note that Lurex3? attracts hard-to-catch, aggressive day-biters such as the Asian Tiger mosquito. Kaz Inc. also offer a combination lure with their "Nosquito? by Stinger 2-in-1 power bait" (a combination of Octenol and Lactic acid) and Mega-Catch? offer an Octenol lure as well as a combination lure (Octenol and Lactic acid). Mosquito traps can be a very effective component in the management of mosquitoes in any situation, domestic or commercial. There are many benefits of using mosquito traps in areas that there are animals, as well as day care centres, schools, restaurants just to mention a few. Traps can also be used as an effective tool by entomologists and mosquito control agencies when researching mosquito species. All control agencies require data to enable them to identify what species are living in their area that they are researching. Most traps catch the mosquitoes using a fan which sucks them into a container/catch net where they expire. This enables the entomologist to have an actual mosquito that they can easily identify in the laboratory. In addition to using traps, most manufacturers also recommend that you should use other forms of control such as the use of repellents and ensure your yard is free from standing water. Remember that using mosquito traps will not totally eliminate mosquitoes and the aim of a trap is to interrupt the breeding cycle and decrease the population of mosquitoes. It is also important to note that the more mosquito traps you have in an area the better. So when you are reading this website and make a decision on which model trap is best for you, be sure to spread the word to your neighbours. The more traps in use in your neighbourhood the better

the new mosquito scent

I suppose smelling "nonanal" should be considered a good thing, except that it makes one irresistible to certain mosquitoes. In a neat ScienceNOW article by Martin Enserink, the author describes new research by entomologists at U.C. Davis to identify chemical compounds produced by our bodies that attract mosquitoes. It turns out that some people produce a good quantity of nonanal, a compound also produced by birds such as chickens and pigeons that are the preferred blood sources for mosquitoes like Culex pipiens, an important vector of West Nile Virus. The poor souls who produce nonanal in bird-like quantity are probably the same folks who get eaten alive at backyard cookouts while other folks suffer nary a nibble from those little winged fiends. No doubt new research will build from this work, especially in the realm of mosquito traps that incorporate nonanal in their lures.

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night October 27th, 2009 | Mosquito News Science Blog: Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have identified the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts the blood-feeding Culex mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile virus and other life-threatening diseases. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Building a Better Mosquito Trap

UC Davis scientists who have been sussing out mosquitoes' sniffers have made a discovery that could lead to really killer bug traps. Chemical ecologists Walter Leal and Zain Syed identified a chemical called nonanal in humans—and, crucially, birds—that serves as a signal for the Culex species of mosquito. Nonanal is a metabolic product of fatty acid, and while it's unclear what its function is for us, for hungry mosquitoes it's like a "BITE HERE" sign. The scientists tested hundreds of compounds that birds and humans have and found that sensitive mosquito antennae can detect even minute amounts of nonanal. They used the chemical as a lure and waited to see how bloodsucking, West-Nile-Virus carrying Culex mosquitoes would react. Leal says when they added carbon dioxide to nonanal, the combo attracted more mosquitoes than each of them combined. A heavy duty CO2 trap they put in nearby Yolo County caught around 2,000 of mosquitoes nightly. Leal says synthetic nonanal is dirt cheap to produce and he thinks that traps with it might be available next year. Next, the plan is to test other mosquito species' responses to the combo. Sadly, an effective DEET alternative is still elusive. Blocking nonanal and CO2 means mosquitoes will find a different signal, Leal reports. He also told me that if he had an effective repellent that decreased human attraction to mosquitoes, he'd be first in line. "They give me a tremendous allergic reaction." Photo: UC Davis chemical ecologists Walter Leal (left) and Zain Syed in the lab. Credit: Kathy Keatley Garvey/UC Davis Department of Entomology. en tested for safety on humans, he noted.

Regulatory Decision Document Octenol (1-Octen-3-ol)e

The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system. The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system.

Malaria-Proof Mosquito Created

THE GIST A malaria-destroying mosquito has been created by Arizona scientists. The exact mechanism for this resistance is unknown, but could be due to the insect's immune system or diet. The new mosquito won't be released into the wild anytime soon. enlargeAn estimated 250 million people are infected by the four kinds of Plasmodium each year. Click to enlarge this image. iStockphoto RELATED CONTENT Synchronized wing beats help mosquitoes meet their mates. Mosquito Parasite Fights Infectious Disease Do-It-Yourself Mosquito Vacuum RELATED TOPICS Immune System Insects Mosquito A "malaria-proof" mosquito has been created by scientists who have engineered a genetic "on" switch that permanently activates a malaria-destroying response, according to their report in the journal Public Library of Science Pathogens. If these mosquitoes are successfully introduced into the wild, they could prevent millions of people from becoming infected with life-threatening Plasmodium -- the parasite that causes malaria. "We were surprised how well this works," said Michael Riehle, a professor at the University of Arizona and a co-author of the new PLoS Pathogens paper. "We were just hoping to see some effect on the mosquitoes' growth rate, lifespan or their susceptibility to the parasite. But it was great to see that our construct blocked the infection process completely." An estimated 250 million people are infected by the four kinds of Plasmodium each year, but each infection comes from female Anopheles mosquitoes. While sucking blood to feed her brood, the mosquito ingests an average of 40 Plasmodium parasites. The parasites develop on the mosquitoes mid-gut, while the insect's immune system does its best to thin the herd. A few parasites escape and eventually migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands, where they sit, ready to infect the next unfortunate victim. The scientists focused on the parasites as they develop by targeting the Akt gene. Previous studies have shown that Akt affects a mosquito's longevity, immune system and digestion -- all of which could affect the bug's susceptibility to malaria. As a result, the team engineered a special version of the Akt gene into the eggs of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. After infecting the mosquitoes with Plasmodium parasites and allowing them to develop, the scientists examined the mosquitoes. They found no trace of the malaria parasites in mosquitoes that had the amped up version of Akt. Exactly how Akt eliminates malaria in mosquitoes is unknown. Older mosquitoes are more likely to carry malaria than younger mosquitoes, and Akt mosquitoes die sooner. That suggests age might be a factor. The mosquito's immune system naturally destroys many malaria parasites so it stands to reason that a beefed up immune system could destroy all of the parasites. The mosquito's digestive system could also simply consume the parasites as it digests its blood meal. "What they've done is take a key point in the insulin signaling pathway, and expressed an active form of it in the gut," said Mark Brown, a doctor at the University of Georgia who is familiar with the new research. Akt, said Brown, "could be activated at any step along that process." Regardless of how Akt works, it won't be working for any mosquitoes in the wild any time soon. "We are at least a decade away from actually releasing mosquitoes into the wild," said Riehle. The engineered mosquitoes could mate with wild mosquitoes, but that the team still needs a more effective way to drive the inserted genes through the entire population. Research labs across the world are trying to solve that exact problem, but so far no solution has been developed.

1-Octen-3-ol (069037) Fact

The groundbreaking research, published this week in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains why mosquitoes shifted hosts from birds to humans and paves the way for key developments in mosquito and disease control. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. "Nonanal is how they find us," Leal said. "The antennae of the Culex quinquefasciatus are highly developed to detect even extremely low concentrations of nonanal." Mosquitoes detect smells with the olfactory receptor neurons of their antennae. Birds, the main hosts of mosquitoes, serve as the reservoir for the West Nile virus, Leal said. When infected mosquitoes take a blood meal, they transmit the virus to their hosts, which include birds, humans, horses, dogs, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels and domestic rabbits. Since 1999, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recorded 29,397 human cases and 1,147 fatalities in the United States alone. The UC Davis researchers tested hundreds of naturally occurring compounds emitted by people and birds. They collected chemical odors from 16 adult human subjects, representing multiple races and ethnic groups. "We then determined the specificity and sensitivity of the olfactory receptor neurons to the isolated compounds on the antennae of the mosquitoes," Syed said. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Mostrap

Introduction Mosquitoes easily locate their prey by sensing the carbon dioxide and warmth that warm-blooded mammals give off, as well as natural by-products such as octenol and lactic acid. Like most insects, they are also attracted by ultraviolet light. Mostrap utilizes these active attractants to lure mosquitoes as well as other biting insects away from humans and into the trap, where they dehydrate and die. Unlike many traditional eradication methods, Mostrap does not rely on harmful chemicals, pesticides and repellents, flames, or exposed high voltage parts, and is safe for indoor use, even around children. The attractants, which are natural by-products of respiration, are locked securely at the bottom of the trap, and moving parts such as fans are safely enclosed. Mostrap can be used either as a standalone trap providing protection in a small area, or as part of a larger abatement and control system protecting an entire premise. Features The Mostrap may be hanged, or placed on a table roughly 90cm - 120cm (3 - 4 feet) off the ground. All electronic components of the unit are weather-sealed, and the unit may be deployed both in- and outdoors. No high-voltage parts are exposed where humans or pets may come into accidental contact. Mostrap is designed to be left on 24/7, to provide constant protection for you and your family. The Mostrap uses several physical as well as natural attractants to optimally lure mosquitoes and other biting insects away from humans: Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide is a significant component of breath exhaled by humans and most other animals. Although odorless to humans, mosquitoes and many other biting insects are especially attuned to the scent of carbon dioxide, and can smell it from as far as 36 meters away. Mostrap generates small amounts of carbon dioxide to mimic prey, attracting mosquitoes away from humans. The volume of carbon dioxide produced by the Mostrap is large enough to attract mosquitoes, but is still insignificant compared to that which is already found in the air we breathe. It is completely non-toxic to humans. Lactic Acid Lactic acid is the substance muscles produce as a by-product of exercise. Through sweat and perspiration, small amounts of lactic acid are released into the air, the scent of which also attracts mosquitoes. Lactic acid is odorless in the amounts released by Mostrap. The attractant is contained securely in the locked base of the trap, so that children and pets will not come into accidental contact with it. Octenol Octenol is a chemical contained in small quantities in human breath and sweat. It is odorless at the levels released by Mostrap, and like all our active attractants, it is stored such that accidental contact is minimized. Ultraviolet Light A large variety of insect pests are attracted to ultraviolet (UV) light, as a result of the structure of their compound eyes. Insects fly towards the light until they are sucked into the trap by its powerful fan. Mostrap is principally a dry, dehydration trap. Insects which fly close to the opening will be caught in the fan's vortex, and are sucked into the catch box where they dehydrate and die. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, and are unable to escape the air currents in the catch box. The catch box will accumulate a significant quantity of dead insects after prolonged operation, and should be emptied periodically. Specifications Voltage 220V - 240V (AC) Power 18W (Operational) Effective Range 30 - 40 sqm Weight 1.2kg Dimensions 250mm (L) * 250mm (W) * 340mm (H)

How Mosquito Traps Work

It is generally accepted that there are two key elements to a successful mosquito trap. First the ability to attract mosquitoes to the trap and second the ability to get the mosquitoes into the trap. The first element usually involves long distance attractants which stimulate mosquitoes to become active and fly towards the trap. This can be visual stimuli in the form of ultra violet light at spectrum frequencies below 400 nanometres which means that light is invisible (so-called black lights) and visible spectrum frequencies which can vary depending on the species involved. Darker colours like blue and black or contrasting colours like black and white are also thought to attract different species. Movement may play an important role. Chemical stimuli which duplicate animal respiration and activity are known attractants of mosquitoes. Concentrations of CO2 are increased in the air breathed out by humans and other animals. Perspiration includes many chemical compounds including traces of lactic acid, chemicals similar to 1-Octen-3-ol and moisture. Having got the mosquitoes to the trap it is then necessary to get them inside where they die and can be easily disposed of. Usually this involves use of a net or a wet catch container in some instances. Some traps claim to get mosquitoes inside the trap by means of a powerful suction fan which creates a vacuum. Others have features which are designed to excite mosquitoes and cause them to begin probing and then to enter the trap where they are swept into the catch areas. Some traps are designed to zap or electrocute mosquitoes which of course makes it difficult to determine capture rates of target species. There are thousands of mosquito species worldwide. Each species is unique and each is attracted by different combinations of sensory stimuli. The trick for the mosquito trap manufacturer is to use combinations of stimuli which attract the target species. Some manufacturers have gone to extraordinary lengths in this regard. For example the gas release system on the Mega-Catch? ULTRA is designed to replicate a key element of human respiration. It works by releasing quantities of pure CO2 at varying rates over fixed intervals to produce an exponentially decaying concentration gradient in the air plume emanating from the lower part of the trap with mosquitoes using this concentration gradient to navigate their way to the trap. Mosquito Magnet? traps use counter flow technology with a patented catalytic converter to produce CO2, heat and moisture to attract mosquitoes. They also say that most mosquitoes require a secondary attractant to hone in on the trap for which they offer either Octenol or Lurex3?. On their website they note that Lurex3? attracts hard-to-catch, aggressive day-biters such as the Asian Tiger mosquito. Kaz Inc. also offer a combination lure with their "Nosquito? by Stinger 2-in-1 power bait" (a combination of Octenol and Lactic acid) and Mega-Catch? offer an Octenol lure as well as a combination lure (Octenol and Lactic acid). Mosquito traps can be a very effective component in the management of mosquitoes in any situation, domestic or commercial. There are many benefits of using mosquito traps in areas that there are animals, as well as day care centres, schools, restaurants just to mention a few. Traps can also be used as an effective tool by entomologists and mosquito control agencies when researching mosquito species. All control agencies require data to enable them to identify what species are living in their area that they are researching. Most traps catch the mosquitoes using a fan which sucks them into a container/catch net where they expire. This enables the entomologist to have an actual mosquito that they can easily identify in the laboratory. In addition to using traps, most manufacturers also recommend that you should use other forms of control such as the use of repellents and ensure your yard is free from standing water. Remember that using mosquito traps will not totally eliminate mosquitoes and the aim of a trap is to interrupt the breeding cycle and decrease the population of mosquitoes. It is also important to note that the more mosquito traps you have in an area the better. So when you are reading this website and make a decision on which model trap is best for you, be sure to spread the word to your neighbours. The more traps in use in your neighbourhood the better

the new mosquito scent

I suppose smelling "nonanal" should be considered a good thing, except that it makes one irresistible to certain mosquitoes. In a neat ScienceNOW article by Martin Enserink, the author describes new research by entomologists at U.C. Davis to identify chemical compounds produced by our bodies that attract mosquitoes. It turns out that some people produce a good quantity of nonanal, a compound also produced by birds such as chickens and pigeons that are the preferred blood sources for mosquitoes like Culex pipiens, an important vector of West Nile Virus. The poor souls who produce nonanal in bird-like quantity are probably the same folks who get eaten alive at backyard cookouts while other folks suffer nary a nibble from those little winged fiends. No doubt new research will build from this work, especially in the realm of mosquito traps that incorporate nonanal in their lures.

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night October 27th, 2009 | Mosquito News Science Blog: Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have identified the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts the blood-feeding Culex mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile virus and other life-threatening diseases. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Building a Better Mosquito Trap

UC Davis scientists who have been sussing out mosquitoes' sniffers have made a discovery that could lead to really killer bug traps. Chemical ecologists Walter Leal and Zain Syed identified a chemical called nonanal in humans—and, crucially, birds—that serves as a signal for the Culex species of mosquito. Nonanal is a metabolic product of fatty acid, and while it's unclear what its function is for us, for hungry mosquitoes it's like a "BITE HERE" sign. The scientists tested hundreds of compounds that birds and humans have and found that sensitive mosquito antennae can detect even minute amounts of nonanal. They used the chemical as a lure and waited to see how bloodsucking, West-Nile-Virus carrying Culex mosquitoes would react. Leal says when they added carbon dioxide to nonanal, the combo attracted more mosquitoes than each of them combined. A heavy duty CO2 trap they put in nearby Yolo County caught around 2,000 of mosquitoes nightly. Leal says synthetic nonanal is dirt cheap to produce and he thinks that traps with it might be available next year. Next, the plan is to test other mosquito species' responses to the combo. Sadly, an effective DEET alternative is still elusive. Blocking nonanal and CO2 means mosquitoes will find a different signal, Leal reports. He also told me that if he had an effective repellent that decreased human attraction to mosquitoes, he'd be first in line. "They give me a tremendous allergic reaction." Photo: UC Davis chemical ecologists Walter Leal (left) and Zain Syed in the lab. Credit: Kathy Keatley Garvey/UC Davis Department of Entomology. en tested for safety on humans, he noted.

Regulatory Decision Document Octenol (1-Octen-3-ol)e

The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system. The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system.

Malaria-Proof Mosquito Created

THE GIST A malaria-destroying mosquito has been created by Arizona scientists. The exact mechanism for this resistance is unknown, but could be due to the insect's immune system or diet. The new mosquito won't be released into the wild anytime soon. enlargeAn estimated 250 million people are infected by the four kinds of Plasmodium each year. Click to enlarge this image. iStockphoto RELATED CONTENT Synchronized wing beats help mosquitoes meet their mates. Mosquito Parasite Fights Infectious Disease Do-It-Yourself Mosquito Vacuum RELATED TOPICS Immune System Insects Mosquito A "malaria-proof" mosquito has been created by scientists who have engineered a genetic "on" switch that permanently activates a malaria-destroying response, according to their report in the journal Public Library of Science Pathogens. If these mosquitoes are successfully introduced into the wild, they could prevent millions of people from becoming infected with life-threatening Plasmodium -- the parasite that causes malaria. "We were surprised how well this works," said Michael Riehle, a professor at the University of Arizona and a co-author of the new PLoS Pathogens paper. "We were just hoping to see some effect on the mosquitoes' growth rate, lifespan or their susceptibility to the parasite. But it was great to see that our construct blocked the infection process completely." An estimated 250 million people are infected by the four kinds of Plasmodium each year, but each infection comes from female Anopheles mosquitoes. While sucking blood to feed her brood, the mosquito ingests an average of 40 Plasmodium parasites. The parasites develop on the mosquitoes mid-gut, while the insect's immune system does its best to thin the herd. A few parasites escape and eventually migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands, where they sit, ready to infect the next unfortunate victim. The scientists focused on the parasites as they develop by targeting the Akt gene. Previous studies have shown that Akt affects a mosquito's longevity, immune system and digestion -- all of which could affect the bug's susceptibility to malaria. As a result, the team engineered a special version of the Akt gene into the eggs of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. After infecting the mosquitoes with Plasmodium parasites and allowing them to develop, the scientists examined the mosquitoes. They found no trace of the malaria parasites in mosquitoes that had the amped up version of Akt. Exactly how Akt eliminates malaria in mosquitoes is unknown. Older mosquitoes are more likely to carry malaria than younger mosquitoes, and Akt mosquitoes die sooner. That suggests age might be a factor. The mosquito's immune system naturally destroys many malaria parasites so it stands to reason that a beefed up immune system could destroy all of the parasites. The mosquito's digestive system could also simply consume the parasites as it digests its blood meal. "What they've done is take a key point in the insulin signaling pathway, and expressed an active form of it in the gut," said Mark Brown, a doctor at the University of Georgia who is familiar with the new research. Akt, said Brown, "could be activated at any step along that process." Regardless of how Akt works, it won't be working for any mosquitoes in the wild any time soon. "We are at least a decade away from actually releasing mosquitoes into the wild," said Riehle. The engineered mosquitoes could mate with wild mosquitoes, but that the team still needs a more effective way to drive the inserted genes through the entire population. Research labs across the world are trying to solve that exact problem, but so far no solution has been developed.

1-Octen-3-ol (069037) Fact

The groundbreaking research, published this week in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains why mosquitoes shifted hosts from birds to humans and paves the way for key developments in mosquito and disease control. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. "Nonanal is how they find us," Leal said. "The antennae of the Culex quinquefasciatus are highly developed to detect even extremely low concentrations of nonanal." Mosquitoes detect smells with the olfactory receptor neurons of their antennae. Birds, the main hosts of mosquitoes, serve as the reservoir for the West Nile virus, Leal said. When infected mosquitoes take a blood meal, they transmit the virus to their hosts, which include birds, humans, horses, dogs, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels and domestic rabbits. Since 1999, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recorded 29,397 human cases and 1,147 fatalities in the United States alone. The UC Davis researchers tested hundreds of naturally occurring compounds emitted by people and birds. They collected chemical odors from 16 adult human subjects, representing multiple races and ethnic groups. "We then determined the specificity and sensitivity of the olfactory receptor neurons to the isolated compounds on the antennae of the mosquitoes," Syed said. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Mostrap

Introduction Mosquitoes easily locate their prey by sensing the carbon dioxide and warmth that warm-blooded mammals give off, as well as natural by-products such as octenol and lactic acid. Like most insects, they are also attracted by ultraviolet light. Mostrap utilizes these active attractants to lure mosquitoes as well as other biting insects away from humans and into the trap, where they dehydrate and die. Unlike many traditional eradication methods, Mostrap does not rely on harmful chemicals, pesticides and repellents, flames, or exposed high voltage parts, and is safe for indoor use, even around children. The attractants, which are natural by-products of respiration, are locked securely at the bottom of the trap, and moving parts such as fans are safely enclosed. Mostrap can be used either as a standalone trap providing protection in a small area, or as part of a larger abatement and control system protecting an entire premise. Features The Mostrap may be hanged, or placed on a table roughly 90cm - 120cm (3 - 4 feet) off the ground. All electronic components of the unit are weather-sealed, and the unit may be deployed both in- and outdoors. No high-voltage parts are exposed where humans or pets may come into accidental contact. Mostrap is designed to be left on 24/7, to provide constant protection for you and your family. The Mostrap uses several physical as well as natural attractants to optimally lure mosquitoes and other biting insects away from humans: Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide is a significant component of breath exhaled by humans and most other animals. Although odorless to humans, mosquitoes and many other biting insects are especially attuned to the scent of carbon dioxide, and can smell it from as far as 36 meters away. Mostrap generates small amounts of carbon dioxide to mimic prey, attracting mosquitoes away from humans. The volume of carbon dioxide produced by the Mostrap is large enough to attract mosquitoes, but is still insignificant compared to that which is already found in the air we breathe. It is completely non-toxic to humans. Lactic Acid Lactic acid is the substance muscles produce as a by-product of exercise. Through sweat and perspiration, small amounts of lactic acid are released into the air, the scent of which also attracts mosquitoes. Lactic acid is odorless in the amounts released by Mostrap. The attractant is contained securely in the locked base of the trap, so that children and pets will not come into accidental contact with it. Octenol Octenol is a chemical contained in small quantities in human breath and sweat. It is odorless at the levels released by Mostrap, and like all our active attractants, it is stored such that accidental contact is minimized. Ultraviolet Light A large variety of insect pests are attracted to ultraviolet (UV) light, as a result of the structure of their compound eyes. Insects fly towards the light until they are sucked into the trap by its powerful fan. Mostrap is principally a dry, dehydration trap. Insects which fly close to the opening will be caught in the fan's vortex, and are sucked into the catch box where they dehydrate and die. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, and are unable to escape the air currents in the catch box. The catch box will accumulate a significant quantity of dead insects after prolonged operation, and should be emptied periodically. Specifications Voltage 220V - 240V (AC) Power 18W (Operational) Effective Range 30 - 40 sqm Weight 1.2kg Dimensions 250mm (L) * 250mm (W) * 340mm (H)

the new mosquito scent

I suppose smelling "nonanal" should be considered a good thing, except that it makes one irresistible to certain mosquitoes. In a neat ScienceNOW article by Martin Enserink, the author describes new research by entomologists at U.C. Davis to identify chemical compounds produced by our bodies that attract mosquitoes. It turns out that some people produce a good quantity of nonanal, a compound also produced by birds such as chickens and pigeons that are the preferred blood sources for mosquitoes like Culex pipiens, an important vector of West Nile Virus. The poor souls who produce nonanal in bird-like quantity are probably the same folks who get eaten alive at backyard cookouts while other folks suffer nary a nibble from those little winged fiends. No doubt new research will build from this work, especially in the realm of mosquito traps that incorporate nonanal in their lures.

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night October 27th, 2009 | Mosquito News Science Blog: Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have identified the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts the blood-feeding Culex mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile virus and other life-threatening diseases. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Building a Better Mosquito Trap

UC Davis scientists who have been sussing out mosquitoes' sniffers have made a discovery that could lead to really killer bug traps. Chemical ecologists Walter Leal and Zain Syed identified a chemical called nonanal in humans—and, crucially, birds—that serves as a signal for the Culex species of mosquito. Nonanal is a metabolic product of fatty acid, and while it's unclear what its function is for us, for hungry mosquitoes it's like a "BITE HERE" sign. The scientists tested hundreds of compounds that birds and humans have and found that sensitive mosquito antennae can detect even minute amounts of nonanal. They used the chemical as a lure and waited to see how bloodsucking, West-Nile-Virus carrying Culex mosquitoes would react. Leal says when they added carbon dioxide to nonanal, the combo attracted more mosquitoes than each of them combined. A heavy duty CO2 trap they put in nearby Yolo County caught around 2,000 of mosquitoes nightly. Leal says synthetic nonanal is dirt cheap to produce and he thinks that traps with it might be available next year. Next, the plan is to test other mosquito species' responses to the combo. Sadly, an effective DEET alternative is still elusive. Blocking nonanal and CO2 means mosquitoes will find a different signal, Leal reports. He also told me that if he had an effective repellent that decreased human attraction to mosquitoes, he'd be first in line. "They give me a tremendous allergic reaction." Photo: UC Davis chemical ecologists Walter Leal (left) and Zain Syed in the lab. Credit: Kathy Keatley Garvey/UC Davis Department of Entomology. en tested for safety on humans, he noted.

Regulatory Decision Document Octenol (1-Octen-3-ol)e

The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system. The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system.

Malaria-Proof Mosquito Created

THE GIST A malaria-destroying mosquito has been created by Arizona scientists. The exact mechanism for this resistance is unknown, but could be due to the insect's immune system or diet. The new mosquito won't be released into the wild anytime soon. enlargeAn estimated 250 million people are infected by the four kinds of Plasmodium each year. Click to enlarge this image. iStockphoto RELATED CONTENT Synchronized wing beats help mosquitoes meet their mates. Mosquito Parasite Fights Infectious Disease Do-It-Yourself Mosquito Vacuum RELATED TOPICS Immune System Insects Mosquito A "malaria-proof" mosquito has been created by scientists who have engineered a genetic "on" switch that permanently activates a malaria-destroying response, according to their report in the journal Public Library of Science Pathogens. If these mosquitoes are successfully introduced into the wild, they could prevent millions of people from becoming infected with life-threatening Plasmodium -- the parasite that causes malaria. "We were surprised how well this works," said Michael Riehle, a professor at the University of Arizona and a co-author of the new PLoS Pathogens paper. "We were just hoping to see some effect on the mosquitoes' growth rate, lifespan or their susceptibility to the parasite. But it was great to see that our construct blocked the infection process completely." An estimated 250 million people are infected by the four kinds of Plasmodium each year, but each infection comes from female Anopheles mosquitoes. While sucking blood to feed her brood, the mosquito ingests an average of 40 Plasmodium parasites. The parasites develop on the mosquitoes mid-gut, while the insect's immune system does its best to thin the herd. A few parasites escape and eventually migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands, where they sit, ready to infect the next unfortunate victim. The scientists focused on the parasites as they develop by targeting the Akt gene. Previous studies have shown that Akt affects a mosquito's longevity, immune system and digestion -- all of which could affect the bug's susceptibility to malaria. As a result, the team engineered a special version of the Akt gene into the eggs of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. After infecting the mosquitoes with Plasmodium parasites and allowing them to develop, the scientists examined the mosquitoes. They found no trace of the malaria parasites in mosquitoes that had the amped up version of Akt. Exactly how Akt eliminates malaria in mosquitoes is unknown. Older mosquitoes are more likely to carry malaria than younger mosquitoes, and Akt mosquitoes die sooner. That suggests age might be a factor. The mosquito's immune system naturally destroys many malaria parasites so it stands to reason that a beefed up immune system could destroy all of the parasites. The mosquito's digestive system could also simply consume the parasites as it digests its blood meal. "What they've done is take a key point in the insulin signaling pathway, and expressed an active form of it in the gut," said Mark Brown, a doctor at the University of Georgia who is familiar with the new research. Akt, said Brown, "could be activated at any step along that process." Regardless of how Akt works, it won't be working for any mosquitoes in the wild any time soon. "We are at least a decade away from actually releasing mosquitoes into the wild," said Riehle. The engineered mosquitoes could mate with wild mosquitoes, but that the team still needs a more effective way to drive the inserted genes through the entire population. Research labs across the world are trying to solve that exact problem, but so far no solution has been developed.

1-Octen-3-ol (069037) Fact

The groundbreaking research, published this week in the early online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, explains why mosquitoes shifted hosts from birds to humans and paves the way for key developments in mosquito and disease control. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. "Nonanal is how they find us," Leal said. "The antennae of the Culex quinquefasciatus are highly developed to detect even extremely low concentrations of nonanal." Mosquitoes detect smells with the olfactory receptor neurons of their antennae. Birds, the main hosts of mosquitoes, serve as the reservoir for the West Nile virus, Leal said. When infected mosquitoes take a blood meal, they transmit the virus to their hosts, which include birds, humans, horses, dogs, cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels and domestic rabbits. Since 1999, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recorded 29,397 human cases and 1,147 fatalities in the United States alone. The UC Davis researchers tested hundreds of naturally occurring compounds emitted by people and birds. They collected chemical odors from 16 adult human subjects, representing multiple races and ethnic groups. "We then determined the specificity and sensitivity of the olfactory receptor neurons to the isolated compounds on the antennae of the mosquitoes," Syed said. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Mostrap

Introduction Mosquitoes easily locate their prey by sensing the carbon dioxide and warmth that warm-blooded mammals give off, as well as natural by-products such as octenol and lactic acid. Like most insects, they are also attracted by ultraviolet light. Mostrap utilizes these active attractants to lure mosquitoes as well as other biting insects away from humans and into the trap, where they dehydrate and die. Unlike many traditional eradication methods, Mostrap does not rely on harmful chemicals, pesticides and repellents, flames, or exposed high voltage parts, and is safe for indoor use, even around children. The attractants, which are natural by-products of respiration, are locked securely at the bottom of the trap, and moving parts such as fans are safely enclosed. Mostrap can be used either as a standalone trap providing protection in a small area, or as part of a larger abatement and control system protecting an entire premise. Features The Mostrap may be hanged, or placed on a table roughly 90cm - 120cm (3 - 4 feet) off the ground. All electronic components of the unit are weather-sealed, and the unit may be deployed both in- and outdoors. No high-voltage parts are exposed where humans or pets may come into accidental contact. Mostrap is designed to be left on 24/7, to provide constant protection for you and your family. The Mostrap uses several physical as well as natural attractants to optimally lure mosquitoes and other biting insects away from humans: Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide is a significant component of breath exhaled by humans and most other animals. Although odorless to humans, mosquitoes and many other biting insects are especially attuned to the scent of carbon dioxide, and can smell it from as far as 36 meters away. Mostrap generates small amounts of carbon dioxide to mimic prey, attracting mosquitoes away from humans. The volume of carbon dioxide produced by the Mostrap is large enough to attract mosquitoes, but is still insignificant compared to that which is already found in the air we breathe. It is completely non-toxic to humans. Lactic Acid Lactic acid is the substance muscles produce as a by-product of exercise. Through sweat and perspiration, small amounts of lactic acid are released into the air, the scent of which also attracts mosquitoes. Lactic acid is odorless in the amounts released by Mostrap. The attractant is contained securely in the locked base of the trap, so that children and pets will not come into accidental contact with it. Octenol Octenol is a chemical contained in small quantities in human breath and sweat. It is odorless at the levels released by Mostrap, and like all our active attractants, it is stored such that accidental contact is minimized. Ultraviolet Light A large variety of insect pests are attracted to ultraviolet (UV) light, as a result of the structure of their compound eyes. Insects fly towards the light until they are sucked into the trap by its powerful fan. Mostrap is principally a dry, dehydration trap. Insects which fly close to the opening will be caught in the fan's vortex, and are sucked into the catch box where they dehydrate and die. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, and are unable to escape the air currents in the catch box. The catch box will accumulate a significant quantity of dead insects after prolonged operation, and should be emptied periodically. Specifications Voltage 220V - 240V (AC) Power 18W (Operational) Effective Range 30 - 40 sqm Weight 1.2kg Dimensions 250mm (L) * 250mm (W) * 340mm (H)

How Mosquito Traps Work

It is generally accepted that there are two key elements to a successful mosquito trap. First the ability to attract mosquitoes to the trap and second the ability to get the mosquitoes into the trap. The first element usually involves long distance attractants which stimulate mosquitoes to become active and fly towards the trap. This can be visual stimuli in the form of ultra violet light at spectrum frequencies below 400 nanometres which means that light is invisible (so-called black lights) and visible spectrum frequencies which can vary depending on the species involved. Darker colours like blue and black or contrasting colours like black and white are also thought to attract different species. Movement may play an important role. Chemical stimuli which duplicate animal respiration and activity are known attractants of mosquitoes. Concentrations of CO2 are increased in the air breathed out by humans and other animals. Perspiration includes many chemical compounds including traces of lactic acid, chemicals similar to 1-Octen-3-ol and moisture. Having got the mosquitoes to the trap it is then necessary to get them inside where they die and can be easily disposed of. Usually this involves use of a net or a wet catch container in some instances. Some traps claim to get mosquitoes inside the trap by means of a powerful suction fan which creates a vacuum. Others have features which are designed to excite mosquitoes and cause them to begin probing and then to enter the trap where they are swept into the catch areas. Some traps are designed to zap or electrocute mosquitoes which of course makes it difficult to determine capture rates of target species. There are thousands of mosquito species worldwide. Each species is unique and each is attracted by different combinations of sensory stimuli. The trick for the mosquito trap manufacturer is to use combinations of stimuli which attract the target species. Some manufacturers have gone to extraordinary lengths in this regard. For example the gas release system on the Mega-Catch? ULTRA is designed to replicate a key element of human respiration. It works by releasing quantities of pure CO2 at varying rates over fixed intervals to produce an exponentially decaying concentration gradient in the air plume emanating from the lower part of the trap with mosquitoes using this concentration gradient to navigate their way to the trap. Mosquito Magnet? traps use counter flow technology with a patented catalytic converter to produce CO2, heat and moisture to attract mosquitoes. They also say that most mosquitoes require a secondary attractant to hone in on the trap for which they offer either Octenol or Lurex3?. On their website they note that Lurex3? attracts hard-to-catch, aggressive day-biters such as the Asian Tiger mosquito. Kaz Inc. also offer a combination lure with their "Nosquito? by Stinger 2-in-1 power bait" (a combination of Octenol and Lactic acid) and Mega-Catch? offer an Octenol lure as well as a combination lure (Octenol and Lactic acid). Mosquito traps can be a very effective component in the management of mosquitoes in any situation, domestic or commercial. There are many benefits of using mosquito traps in areas that there are animals, as well as day care centres, schools, restaurants just to mention a few. Traps can also be used as an effective tool by entomologists and mosquito control agencies when researching mosquito species. All control agencies require data to enable them to identify what species are living in their area that they are researching. Most traps catch the mosquitoes using a fan which sucks them into a container/catch net where they expire. This enables the entomologist to have an actual mosquito that they can easily identify in the laboratory. In addition to using traps, most manufacturers also recommend that you should use other forms of control such as the use of repellents and ensure your yard is free from standing water. Remember that using mosquito traps will not totally eliminate mosquitoes and the aim of a trap is to interrupt the breeding cycle and decrease the population of mosquitoes. It is also important to note that the more mosquito traps you have in an area the better. So when you are reading this website and make a decision on which model trap is best for you, be sure to spread the word to your neighbours. The more traps in use in your neighbourhood the better

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night

Mosquito Traps baited with Nonanal and C02 Capture 2000 a Night October 27th, 2009 | Mosquito News Science Blog: Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have identified the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts the blood-feeding Culex mosquitoes, which transmit West Nile virus and other life-threatening diseases. Entomology professor Walter Leal and postdoctoral researcher Zain Syed found that nonanal (sounds like NAWN-uh-nawl) is the powerful semiochemical that triggers the mosquitoes' keen sense of smell, directing them toward a blood meal. A semiochemical is a chemical substance or mixture that carries a message. Leal and Syed found that nonanal acts synergistically with carbon dioxide, a known mosquito attractant. "We baited mosquito traps with a combination of nonanal and carbon dioxide and we were drawing in as many as 2,000 a night in Yolo County, near Davis," Syed said. "Nonanal, in combination with carbon dioxide, increased trap captures by more than 50 percent, compared to traps baited with carbon dioxide alone."

Building a Better Mosquito Trap

UC Davis scientists who have been sussing out mosquitoes' sniffers have made a discovery that could lead to really killer bug traps. Chemical ecologists Walter Leal and Zain Syed identified a chemical called nonanal in humans—and, crucially, birds—that serves as a signal for the Culex species of mosquito. Nonanal is a metabolic product of fatty acid, and while it's unclear what its function is for us, for hungry mosquitoes it's like a "BITE HERE" sign. The scientists tested hundreds of compounds that birds and humans have and found that sensitive mosquito antennae can detect even minute amounts of nonanal. They used the chemical as a lure and waited to see how bloodsucking, West-Nile-Virus carrying Culex mosquitoes would react. Leal says when they added carbon dioxide to nonanal, the combo attracted more mosquitoes than each of them combined. A heavy duty CO2 trap they put in nearby Yolo County caught around 2,000 of mosquitoes nightly. Leal says synthetic nonanal is dirt cheap to produce and he thinks that traps with it might be available next year. Next, the plan is to test other mosquito species' responses to the combo. Sadly, an effective DEET alternative is still elusive. Blocking nonanal and CO2 means mosquitoes will find a different signal, Leal reports. He also told me that if he had an effective repellent that decreased human attraction to mosquitoes, he'd be first in line. "They give me a tremendous allergic reaction." Photo: UC Davis chemical ecologists Walter Leal (left) and Zain Syed in the lab. Credit: Kathy Keatley Garvey/UC Davis Department of Entomology. en tested for safety on humans, he noted.

Regulatory Decision Document Octenol (1-Octen-3-ol)e

The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system. The responses of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) mosquito vectors to 1-octen-3-ol (octenol) and CO2 were evaluated using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps at 3 sites in northern Australia. There was no significant difference between the number of Culex sitiens subgroup mosquitoes or Cx. gelidus collected in CDC light traps baited with either CO2 alone or CO2 + octenol on Badu Island. At both mainland locations, using octenol in combination with CO2 significantly increased collections of Cx. sitiens subgroup mosquitoes. Collections of nontarget species, such as Ochlerotatus spp., Anopheles spp., and Verrallina spp. were also significantly increased with the addition of octenol. At all 3 locations, reducing collections of nontarget mosquitoes by not using octenol increased the proportion of Culex spp. collected, thus potentially reducing the time and resources required to sort and process collections for JEV detection. Our results also indicate that trials into the efficacy of using octenol as an attractant should be carried out in each area prior to the implementation of a mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance system.