A result of more than 15 years of academic research into the host-finding of mosquitoes, the BG-Sentinel is the best trap for important disease transmitting mosquitoes.

The BG-Sentinel mosquito trap:

• mimics convection currents created by a human body
• employs attractive visual cues
• releases attractants through a large surface area

The BG-Sentinel Trap is normally used in combination with a novel attractant lure, the BG-Lure, which consists of a combination of non-toxic substances that are specifically found on human skin: ammonia, lactic acid, and fatty acids.

Originally designed to attract the yellow fever (or dengue) mosquito Aedes aegypti, both laboratory and field tests continue to show that the trap is also attractive for a range of other mosquitoes.

　

　

The trap is essentially a collapsible pop-up container with a white gauze covering its opening. The diameter is 36 cm (14 inches), the height 40 cm (1.3 feet). In the middle of the gauze cover, air is sucked into the trap through a black catch pipe by an electrical fan, drawing approaching mosquitoes into a catch bag (yellow arrows).

The air then exits the trap through the white gauze, generating ascending currents (red arrows). These are similar to convection currents produced by a human host, both in its direction, its geometrical structure, and, due to the addition of the BG-Lure, also in its chemical composition.

Interesting for professional researchers and mosquito specialists: the BG-Sentinel is large enough to incorporate additional attractants such as other chemical lures, small living animals, worn clothing, animal hairs, light and heat sources, etc. This makes the trap a very versatile tool for both monitoring and research.

With the introduction of new virus types and the re-emergence and spread of its vectors, dengue has become a growing problem in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. Dengue is transmitted mainly by day-biting tiger mosquitoes (Aedes mosquitoes of the subgenus Stegomyia).

These mosquitoes are also important vectors of a number of other important viral infections, such as yellow fever and chikungunya fever. Chikungunya has recenetly become an important public health threat in Indian Ocean islands off the east coast of Africa. In 2005/2006, the island of Réunion is experincing a massive outbreak of this disease, for which no vaccination or cure is available.

Field studies on all continents continue to show that the BG-Sentinel is the most efficient trap for Aedes (Stegomyia) mosquitoes. The BG-Sentinel's unique design generates an attractant odour plume which is similar to convection currents that are produced by a warm blooded host.

　

　

Aedes aegypti, a.k.a. the yellow fever mosquito, is the principal vector of dengue and yellow fever. It also transmits chikungunya. Field studies in Brazil, Australia, and Asia have demostrated that the BG-Sentinel is the most effective method to trap and monitor Aedes aegypti.

Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is spreading rapidly worldwide, not only in tropical and substropical, but also into temperate regions. The Asian tiger mosquito is a potential and increasigly significant vector for dengue, chikungunya and other diseases. The BG-Sentinel has been field-tested in the United States, Italy, Australia, and Asia with Aedes albopoictus, with excellent results.

Aedes polynesiensis, the Polynesian tiger mosquito, is an important vector of elephantiasis and also transmits dengue in the South Pacific. Field tests in American Samoa with Aedes polynesiensis showed superior catching rates for the BG-Sentinel.

　

• Unique pop-up design. Collapsible and light-weight for easy storage and transport. Collapsed dimensions: diameter 36 cm (14 inches), height 10 cm (4 inches).
   
• Quick assembly - no tools required. Dimensions in working order: diameter 36 cm (14 inches), height 40 cm (1.3 feet).
   
• Weight: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs).
   
• Extremely long-lasting lure. The BG-Lure is effective for up to 5 months. No carbon dioxide is needed to catch a number of anthropophagic mosquitoes.
   
• Attracted mosquitoes are sucked into a catch bag by the ventilator. The trap comes with two catch bags for a continuous use of the trap.
   
• The suction fan needs a power source of 9 to 12 V DC (max 280 mA). A transformer is supplied upon request.
   
• Although easy to use, the trap is a very versatile tool for both monitoring and research professionals. It is large enough to incorporate additional attractants such as other chemicals, small living animals, worn clothing, animal hairs, feathers, light and heat sources, dry ice or other CO2 generating devices, etc.