Detection of and Monitoring for Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Suburban and Sylvatic Habitats in North Central Florida using Four Sampling Techniques

A sampling study using a BG-Sentinel trap baited with CO2, a gravid trap baited with an oak-pine infusion, a human subject, and a vegetative aspirator was conducted to compare their reliability at detecting Aedes albopictus Skuse in suburban and sylvatic habitats. We collected 73,849 mosquitoes, representing 29 species from 11 genera over a 20-wk period. The BG-Sentinel trap accounted for over 85% of all Ae. albopictus captured and was significantly more effective at detecting the presence of Ae. albopictus compared with the other three techniques. Landing counts provided the fewest mosquito species (n = 10), yet provided a quick and effective weekly assessment of the major biting species and were the most effective method for sampling Ae. albopictus within a 10-min period. Fewer Ae. albopictus were sampled from sylvatic habitats compared with suburban ones. Sampling criteria advantageous for surveying Ae. albopictus and other mosquito species are discussed.