What type of device emits carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes?

The device that emits carbon dioxide to attract mosquitoes is the CO2 light trap. This type of trap works on the premise that carbon dioxide is a significant attractant for mosquitoes, as it mimics the breath of human hosts or other animals from which mosquitoes feed. When mosquitoes detect CO2, they are drawn toward the source, allowing the trap to capture them for monitoring or control purposes.

The concept of utilizing CO2 in trapping aligns with research showing that many mosquito species are highly sensitive to carbon dioxide emissions, which cue them into the presence of potential hosts. By combining this attractant with other features—like light or octenol, which can further draw mosquitoes in—the CO2 light trap effectively enhances the likelihood of capturing these pests.

Other types of traps mentioned do not primarily focus on CO2 as an attractant. Heat traps typically use warmth to entice insects, while light traps use illumination as a lure. Chemical lures might employ various substances to attract mosquitoes, but they do not emit CO2 specifically. Therefore, the CO2 light trap is distinct for its methodology in leveraging carbon dioxide to optimize mosquito attraction.