BG-GAT Trap

BG-GAT
BG-GAT trap

CMMCP deploys the BG-GAT Mosquito Trap in selected areas in our service area to monitor for the Asian Tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus. They are moved if needed to sample in as many locations as possible.

These species are day active, very aggressive, and can transmit diseases like dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya. Important for the effectiveness of the trap is to reduce competitive breeding sources.In comparison to the BG-Mosquitaire trap, it targets a different stage of the mosquitoes: Those mosquitoes that have already bitten and are now searching for a place to lay their eggs which are only a small percentage of those that are host-seeking. Therefore, the BG-GAT catches naturally less mosquitoes than the BG-Mosquitaire.

Features

The big advantage of this trap version is that it is passive, which means it does not require power or supplemental attractants like CO2 or chemical lures. This provides great flexibility in deployment and easiness in handling. Also, especially these females that are targeted with the BG-GAT, can be dangerous, as they might carry a virus and could produce about 50 – 100 descendants.

The BG-GAT uses water and oviposition cues to attract female Asian tiger and yellow fever mosquitoes that are looking for a place to lay their eggs. Once in the trap, the mosquitoes are exposed to a sticky surface and die.

Mosquito collections (called pools) are sent to the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory Institute in Jamaica Plain. Notification of positive pools of mosquitoes is given to the CMMCP office and local Board of Health by MDPH. The next response will vary, according to MDPH guidelines, CMMCP recommendations and local BOH desires.