Using similar techniques and procedures as described in the repellent section, BioGents has developed, refined, evaluated or compared a number of insect attractants and traps. Our know-how is also used in the assessment of insect populations using attractants and traps. All test results are treated in strict confidence.

Past and current projects include:

• The development of mosquito attractants using olfactometer studies, room tests and field trials.
• The comparison and evaluation of commercial mosquito traps in the lab and in the field.
• The development of a novel type of mosquito trap, the BG-Sentinel.
• The assessment of the biting fly population in a flood plain near the river Danube, before and after renaturation.
• Improving monitoring techniques for mosquitoes.
• Developing traps and attractants for sandflies.
• Assessing the feasibility of using traps to control mosquitoes and flies under different circumstances.
• Evaluating fruit fly attractants and traps (Drosophila).
• Field evaluation of attractants and traps for wasps, Vespula (Paravespula) germanica and Vespula (Paravespula) vulgaris.
• The comparison and improvement of house fly baits and traps (Musca domestica).
• The evaluation of traps and lures for the meal moths, Plodia interpunctella and Ephestia kuehniella.
• The evaluation of traps and attractants for the cockroach, Periplaneta americana.

The BG-Sentinel, a highly effective mosquito trap, was developed by BioGents. With no carbon dioxide necessary, the BG-Sentinel is the most effective trap for tiger mosquitoes (also known as yellow fever or dengue mosquitoes). It is also an excellent monitoring trap and research tool for other mosquito species.