Effectiveness of a field trap barrier system for controlling Aedes albopictus: a “removal trapping” strategy

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the main vectors for the transmission of several viral pathogens, in particular, dengue, Zika and chikungunya. In the absence of vaccines and treatment, control of Aedes mosquitoes is the only means of keeping these diseases in check. Aedes control is difficult, and it is, therefore, necessary to evaluate the efficacy of novel control methods, particularly those targeting adult and exophilic Ae. albopictus populations. METHODS: We carried out the first evaluation of the effectiveness of a field trap barrier system, i.e. a “removal trapping” outdoor control strategy for Ae. albopictus in southern France. RESULTS: The removal trapping control strategy is an effective system, able to reduce to almost zero the biting rate of the tiger mosquito in and around houses with traps installed. This strategy has the advantage of being a non-chemical method, which is environmentally friendly and does not affect non-target fauna. Nevertheless, it has several constraints including the cost of the CO(2) required for the system to function. However, the system could be optimized by reducing the costs and combining it with other control strategies within the framework of integrated vector management. CONCLUSIONS: We provide the first evidence of the effectiveness of this trap barrier system, which is based on the combined effect of (i) removing adult mosquitoes living in the area, and (ii) hampering the migration of mosquitoes from outside into the treated area. Further investigation is needed to understand its efficacy for other species, other locations and at-risk communities, and to evaluate its application for reducing the prevalence of dengue, Zika and chikungunya diseases. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2691-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.