The Effectiveness of Mosquito Traps During the Peak of Dry Season Across Four Local Government Areas in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Mosquito vector control is considered the most effective way to prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases, as vaccines and/or efficient treatments are not always available. The study was carried out in four Local Government Areas of Ondo State comprising Ondo West, Akure South, Owo, and Akoko South West for the period of four months. The study was conducted on a 24-hour basis (12 hrs morning and 12 hrs night). The implantation was done involving analyzing the environment to determine the appropriate locations to set up the traps. The BG and BG-PRO (light disconnected) were set up in the morning between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, while the BG-PRO (light connected) and CDC light traps were set up between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am. Attractants (lures) were also used with the BG and BG-PRO. The result of the study revealed that CDC light traps had the highest mosquito catch in January (16) and 32 in February (32). It was also revealed that in March, BG had the highest catches of mosquitoes (55), while the CDC light traps had the least mosquito catch (29). The highest number of mosquitoes caught in April across the four LGAs was done by the CDC light traps (52), while the BG-PRO had no catch throughout the month. The result also revealed that in January, both Ondo West and Akure South had an equal number of mosquitoes caught by the traps (12), while Owo and Akoko South-West recorded no catch. Akure South recorded the highest number of mosquitoes in February (27) while in March, Owo recorded the highest mosquito catch (49). In April, Ondo West recorded the highest mosquito catch (22) and Owo had the least catch (14). These findings emphasize the importance of the selection of trap types based on seasonal vector behaviour and environmental conditions so that vector control programmes can work better and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases can be minimized.