What type of trap is often used to monitor adult mosquito populations?

CO2 or light traps are highly effective in monitoring adult mosquito populations because they attract mosquitoes based on two powerful stimuli: light and carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes are naturally drawn to sources of carbon dioxide, which they associate with potential hosts. Light traps mimic natural light sources that attract insects, including mosquitoes, especially during nighttime.

Using both CO2 and light together enhances the trapping efficiency, as it combines both visual and olfactory cues, making it more effective for capturing a wide array of adult mosquitoes. This dual-attraction strategy is particularly important for comprehensive population monitoring, as it allows researchers and pest control professionals to gather more accurate data on mosquito populations, behaviors, and the effectiveness of control measures. Other traps, such as light traps alone or sticky traps, may not provide the same level of effectiveness in attracting and capturing mosquitoes.