Design and Efficiency of Mosquito Traps Based on Visual Response to Patterns

Abstract

Extensive investigations on the biology and control of biting flies were conducted in northern Canada from 1947 to 1953 (Brown,et al., 1951; Haufe, 1952; Hockinget al., 1950; Twinnet al., 1948, 1950; Twinn 1950). The difficulty of assessing populations of mosquitoes both in chemical control and in ecological investigations limited the interpretation of some of the work that was undertaken. One of the primary objectives of ecological and behaviour studies was to determine the weather conditions that are favourable for attraction of mosquitoes to man. Reliable estimates of the unattracted population must, for this purpose, be obtained independently of the observer. Large catches are also important in estimating abundance when the time for individual catches is reduced to one hour or less. For these reasons a satisfactory mechanically-operated device for sampling mosquitoes in flight became essential.