Mosquito Traps: Are They Effective?

Mosquito traps have become a cornerstone of modern mosquito control, offering targeted, environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical spraying. Their evolution, global deployment, and proven scientific efficacy make them an increasingly vital tool in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases.

The concept of trapping mosquitoes dates back nearly a century, with early devices designed to replace human collectors for mosquito surveillance. In the late 1920s, researchers developed the first mechanical traps using light as an attractant, but these early models had limited catching power. By 1930, the New Jersey light trap was introduced, combining a light bulb and an electric fan to draw in mosquitoes, making it possible to monitor populations near homes and in the field. This model was further refined in 1932 and became the standard for mosquito surveillance in the United States, allowing researchers to track population trends and species distribution over time.

Throughout the mid-20th century, innovation continued. The CDC Virus Vector Laboratory developed lighter, more portable traps in the 1960s, enabling field researchers to deploy multiple units in remote areas. The addition of dry ice as a carbon dioxide source dramatically increased the effectiveness and species range of these traps, establishing the principle that mimicking human breath and scent could lure mosquitoes more efficiently.

In the 1960s and 1970s, ovitraps—small, water-filled containers designed to attract egg-laying female mosquitoes—were introduced. These traps targeted mosquitoes at the egg-laying stage, helping to interrupt breeding cycles. Later advancements, such as the Lok Autocidal Ovitrap and the Zeichner Lethal Ovitrap, aimed to not only capture eggs but also kill larvae and adults, further improving efficacy.

Mosquito traps are now used globally for both surveillance and control. In Asia Pacific, where mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are endemic, traps are widely deployed by public health agencies and consumers. The region accounted for over $120 million in mosquito trap sales in 2022, reflecting both the scale of the problem and the demand for effective solutions.

In South America, ovitraps have been used extensively during eradication campaigns, particularly to monitor and suppress populations of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector for Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. Singapore famously implemented the Lok Autocidal Ovitrap at its airport, demonstrating the value of traps in high-risk, high-traffic environments.

In Europe and North America, traps are integral to integrated pest management (IPM) programs. They provide real-time data on mosquito activity and species composition, guiding targeted interventions and serving as early-warning systems for disease outbreaks. For example, public health organizations in the U.S. and Europe use traps to monitor West Nile virus vectors and to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures.

A growing body of research supports the effectiveness of mosquito traps for both surveillance and population control. Modern traps, such as the BG-Sentinel and CDC-CO₂ traps, use a combination of visual cues, scents, and carbon dioxide to attract host-seeking female mosquitoes. Studies show that BG-Sentinel traps with CO₂ and attractants are as effective as CDC-CO₂ traps for capturing key vector species like Culex and Aedes, and are especially efficient at collecting both host-seeking and blood-fed females.

Ovitraps and autodissemination traps, such as the Buzz Bucket trap, have demonstrated success in reducing mosquito populations by targeting both adults and larvae. These traps use a combination of larvicides and adulticides, or biopesticides, to disrupt the mosquito life cycle in a highly targeted manner, minimizing environmental impact.

Mosquito traps are also favored for their eco-friendly profile. Unlike broad-spectrum insecticides, mosquito traps do not harm pollinators, pets, or humans, and they help reduce the risk of pesticide resistance. Their use in integrated pest management strategies allows for smarter, more responsive mosquito control at the community and regional levels.

From their origins as surveillance tools to their current role in global mosquito management, mosquito traps have proven to be both versatile and effective. Scientific research confirms their value in reducing mosquito populations and monitoring disease risks, especially when used as part of integrated control programs. As mosquito-borne diseases expand their reach worldwide, the importance of mosquito traps—rooted in decades of innovation and scientific validation—continues to grow.

The newest edition to our “tools of the trade”, this trap has been field tested and highly effective in reducing the overall population of “container” type mosquito species.

Most effective against “container” mosquitoes.

This includes some of the most common species in our area and around 85% – 95% of our clients have incurred these type mosquitoes.

Extends our coverage area.

By a process called auto-dissemination, the mosquito will carry the treatment to other breeding sights thus treating them as well.

Reduces our adulticide footprint.

By supplementing these traps, we are often able to reduce both potency and rate in our adulticide (spray) program.

Does not cost anything extra.

By implementing these traps, we are able to add value and not cost. All of our buckets are recycled from local businesses.