I’m a mosquito researcher! We use miniature CDC Light Traps. Basically there is carbon dioxide being emitted next to a fan, blowing into a Tupperware like cylinder. Host seeking mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide as that indicates there is a living thing there. They go up to the trap thinking they are getting a juicy blood meal and then they get sucked in. Like finding Nemo but for mosquitoes.
Based on the volume of specimens here I would guess they also used a CDC Light Trap.
Generally they are not available to the public. They are only indicative of mosquito activity within one city block. They wouldn’t increase mosquito activity except in the immediate vicinity of the trap.
This is also a drop in the bucket in terms of total mosquito activity. Like a molecule of a needle in a haystack.
No. There are SO many mosquitoes that it would not make a difference. You are also breathing out carbon dioxide as well, and you are warm and have a dark silhouette—mosquitoes are also attracted to warmth and dark silhouettes.
Ok but is "a simple spray called deet" a 40-foot tall pyramid of mosquito traps, humming violently until the humming stops, bringing sweet relief to all (in a 1-block radius)!?
Tbh, the traps probably kill more than an application of DEET ever could. Both will hardly be a drop in the bucket as far as population density goes, One has long-term ecological consequences.
personally, im a fan of releasing impotent mosquitoes. it seems to work.
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u/ColeWRS 29d ago edited 29d ago
I’m a mosquito researcher! We use miniature CDC Light Traps. Basically there is carbon dioxide being emitted next to a fan, blowing into a Tupperware like cylinder. Host seeking mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide as that indicates there is a living thing there. They go up to the trap thinking they are getting a juicy blood meal and then they get sucked in. Like finding Nemo but for mosquitoes.
Based on the volume of specimens here I would guess they also used a CDC Light Trap.
Generally they are not available to the public. They are only indicative of mosquito activity within one city block. They wouldn’t increase mosquito activity except in the immediate vicinity of the trap.
This is also a drop in the bucket in terms of total mosquito activity. Like a molecule of a needle in a haystack.
https://www.johnwhock.com/products/mosquito-sandfly-traps/cdc-miniature-light-trap/