Table 1 Comparison of costs between a standard setup of the three trap types used in this study.

From: Field testing of a lightweight, inexpensive, and customisable 3D-printed mosquito light trap in the UK

 

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 (Â¥37,800)

$478.4 (Â¥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.

  1. This does not include the costs of the method of CO2 production or additional attractants. Prices correct as of January 2019. The costs were estimated based on online shopping sites (e.g. Amazon, AliExpress, and Shopee) and local shops. Converted prices into US dollar are shown along with the original currency in each country, if available. The conversion rates are: £1 (GBP) = $1.3 (USD); ¥1 (JPY) = $0.008 (USD); and MYR1 (Malaysian Ringgit) = $0.25 (USD). Average overall costs were based on the best materials and equipment available in the UK.