DEVELOPING A LOW-COST MOSQUITO TRAP TO IMPROVE DETECTION OF INVASIVE MOSQUITOES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN USA

This is an ARDP Research-led project with the Diversified IPM Systems as a focus area. In the southeastern US, invasive mosquito species of medical and veterinary importance are increasingly being detected after multiple modes of introduction and dispersal. Our recent surveillance capacity survey in 7 states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina) revealed several key obstacles impeding timely recognition and sharing of invasive mosquito species detection and spread in the region. One of the key obstacles identified was limited financial and personnel resources required to deploy an array of different traps. At present, multiple traps are necessary to account for the varying affinities (i.e., host-seeking attraction) of native and invasive mosquito species. This issue especially impacts resource-poor agencies. Thus, the goal of this project is to develop and validate an innovative low-cost mosquito trap system that will significantly improve invasive mosquito surveillance in the southeastern US region. The system will be 'value added' as it will be built on a platform that is already established for many native species. We expect that our approach will demonstrate improved species richness using one trap system and thus improve its likely adoption by mosquito control and public health professionals. Our project is aligned with the National IPM Roadmap in reducing potential human health and safety risks from pests by improving pest management strategies.