Frequency-based detection of female Aedes mosquito using surface acoustic wave technology: Early prevention of dengue fever

The increasing cases of dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in the last decade have been reported worldwide. These conditions have led to huge economic loses and health complications. At present, no direct cure for DF and no efficient device to control or detect the Aedes mosquitoes that cause DF are available. Therefore, the fabrication of a device will reduce the probability of get infection since it works as a warning system, to exterminate Aedes mosquitoes as soon as discovered, and to evacuate the location until it be treated. This paper is the first to report the detection of the female Aedes mosquito in human habitations using a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. The feasibility of an acoustic-based device that records differences in signals and noise levels from different mosquito species has been demonstrated in instructing frequency differences to detect female mosquitoes. The SAW sensor response was investigated with simulated and real Aedes mosquito signals. Decreased resonant peak amplitude was obtained with different wingbeat frequencies. The S11 magnitude was reduced by 0.6dB and 1.25dB with female and male Aedes mosquitoes, respectively. Furthermore, the SAW sensor exhibited good sensitivity in low sound pressure environments between 40 and 55dB, making it suitable for use inside an average home. [Display omitted] •Layard SAW sensor for female Aedes mosquito detection was fabricated and investigated.•Decreased resonant peak amplitude was obtained with different wing beat frequencies.•S11 magnitude was reduced by 0.6 and 1.25dB with female and male Aedes mosquitoes.•The SAW sensor exhibited good sensitivity in low sound pressure environments.