Table 1 Comparison of costs between a standard setup of the three trap types used in this study.
 | 3D-printed trap | CDC light trap | BG Sentinel 2 trap | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manufacturer | The end-user | John W. Hock, USA | Biogents AR, Germany | ||
Initial capital investment | 3D printer: $200–290 | $0 | $0 | ||
Cost per trap body | |||||
in the UK | $11.76–13.22 (£9.04–10.17) | $152 (£116.95) | $206.7 (£159.00) | ||
in Japan | $9.12–16.63 (¥1,140–2,079) | $302.4 (¥37,800) | $478.4 (¥59,800) | ||
in the US | $10.11–12.97 | $106 | $204 | ||
in Malaysia | $15.80–16.05 (MYR63.20–64.21) | $188.25 (MYR753) | $425 (MYR1,700) | ||
Trap weight | 238 g | 771 g | 1,215 g | ||
Rechargeable battery | One portable battery | Two AA batteries | Four D batteries | [One 6 V motorbike battery] | One 12 V motorbike/car battery |
Cost | $28.59–42.89 | $3.16–4.84 | $32.49–67.03 | [$14.98–58.37] | $24.66–56.50 |
Weight | 181–365 g | 54–62 g | 620–660 g | [870–2,260 g] | 2,200–6,100 g |
Running time | 15–25 h | 14–20 h | [24–40 h] | 17–48 h |  |
Battery charger | $1.70–3.08 | $1.94–5.84 | $20.79–22.74 | [$23.39–38.99] | $19.49–38.99 |
Average overall costs for 1 trap | $379.85 | $241.86 | [$219.86] | $276.52 | |
Average overall costs for 2 traps | $438.09 | $483.73 | [$439.72] | $553.03 | |
Average overall costs for 10 traps | $906.18 | $2,418.63 | [$2,198.60] | $2,488.65 | |
Operational strengths | Lowest cost per trap of the three. Portable batteries enable reduced battery size and weight compared to 6 V and 12 V batteries. Easy to print replacement parts for repair. Users can modify the design for their own purposes using free CAD software. Suitable materials for printing can be selected for each study environment. | It is easier and quicker to turn on/off the trap than other two traps. The collection box is well-designed and feasible to set up and retrieve. The lights can be helpful to see if the trap is running from a distance. | Mosquito samples do not pass through the fan and so are less damaged. The trap has a well designed recess for installation of an attractant such as the BG Lure and an optional CO2 gas setup. The trap can be operated using either a battery in remote areas or AC power supply, theoretically allowing a 24 hour/365 day operation. | ||
Operational concerns | Users may require training in the use of CAD software and 3D printer use. Creating trap pieces takes about 12 hours, which could be an issue where electricity supplies are unstable. Some of the filament types are weak against a high temperature (>60–70 °C) thus direct sunlight may deform the trap. Some materials might be difficult to purchase in remote areas in Africa and Asia. Electronic circuits for the light could be unstable. The trap is lightweight and so may be adversely affected by strong winds. | Faults with the electronic wiring can occur, and there is no protective structure. The trap is cumbersome to transport and carry in the field and is difficult to repair. Heavy 6 V batteries (or 12 V with optional adaptor) required. | When removing the catch bag from the intake funnel the captured mosquito samples can be damaged. The usual placement of the trap on the floor opens it up to possible damage from animals or the wind if not secured. Carrying mosquitoes in the sampling bag without damaging them is a challenge. Heavy 12 V batteries required if not plugged in. | ||
Additional challenges for all sampling methods | CO2 baits produced using the yeast-mixture setups can be heavy to transport and need to be replaced daily. However, this approach is still superior to the use of gas canisters or dry ice in remote areas. | ||||
Predacious insects (e.g. spiders, ants) can enter into the traps and consume the catch. |