Glossary of Mosquito Control Terms
This Biogents glossary provides clear definitions of key terms in mosquito control, attractant technology, and vector monitoring. Designed for professionals and homeowners, it explains the science behind Biogents' traps, attractants, and CO₂ systems.
Use this guide to understand how mosquito traps work, compare attractants, and explore effective population reduction methods. Each term prioritizes clarity, accuracy, and practical application in modern mosquito management.
Learn how Biogents traps attract and capture mosquitoes using CO₂, heat, and scent cues; what attractant components like lactic acid and ammonia do to mimic human scent; and the differences between trap types (BG-Mosquitaire, BG-GAT, BG-Sentinel 2) and their specific monitoring or control applications.
Aedes
Aedes is a genus of mosquitoes, commonly known as tiger mosquitoes, comprising over 950 species, many of which are significant vectors of human diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya.
Adulticide
An adulticide is an insecticide specifically formulated to target and eliminate adult mosquitoes.
This is the most commonly used pest control method in the United States, through methods like fogging and pesticide spraying. These substances are integral to mosquito control programs, particularly during outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases or significant nuisance infestations.
Aedes Aegypti
Aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, is a species of mosquito known for transmitting dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. Biogents traps, both active and passive, are optimized for capturing Aedes aegypti females.
Aedes Albopictus
Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is a species known for transmitting diseases such as dengue, Zikua, and chikungunya viruses. Biogents traps, both active and passive, are optimized for capturing Aedes albopictus females.
Attractant
An attractant is a substance that draws mosquitoes toward a trap by simulating cues like human scent or breath. Biogents offers attractants such as BG-Sweetscent and BG-Lure for use with its traps.
Anopheles
Anopheles is a genus of mosquitoes comprising over 450 species, approximately 30–40 of which are primary vectors of malaria, a disease responsible for over 600,000 deaths annually. These mosquitoes are found worldwide, predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions, and are the exclusive transmitters of human malaria.
Arbovirus
An arbovirus (arthropod-borne virus) is any virus transmitted to vertebrates by hematophagous arthropods, primarily mosquitoes and ticks. These viruses are maintained in nature through a biological transmission cycle between susceptible vertebrate hosts and arthropod vectors.
Autodissemination
Autodissemination is a mosquito control strategy that leverages the natural behaviors of mosquitoes to distribute insect growth regulators (IGRs) to their breeding sites, reducing larvae populations.
| Product Category | Purpose / Use | Example Products |
| Outdoor Traps | Reduce mosquito populations in gardens or patios | BG-Mosquitaire, BG-GAT |
| Indoor Traps | Capture mosquitoes inside homes | BG-Home |
| Passive/Gravid Traps | Capture egg-laying female mosquitoes | BG-GAT |
| Research & Monitoring | Scientific surveillance and vector studies | BG-Sentinel 2 |
| Attractants | Enhance trap effectiveness | BG-Lure, BG-Sweetscent |
Barrier Treatment
A barrier treatment involves applying residual insecticides to areas where adult mosquitoes are likely to rest, creating a chemical barrier that either kills or repels mosquitoes on contact.
BG-Booster CO₂
The BG-Booster CO₂ is a Biogents accessory that releases carbon dioxide at controlled rates to simulate human respiration, enhancing trap performance. It is compatible with the BG-Mosquitaire, BG- Sentinel 2, and BG-Pro traps.
BG-Counter
The BG-Counter is an automated device developed by Biogents that counts mosquitoes in real time, controls CO₂ release, and monitors environmental conditions. It is widely used in scientific and vector surveillance programs for data-driven control strategies.
BG-GAT (Gravid Aedes Trap)
The BG-GAT is a passive trap that captures egg-laying female mosquitoes by simulating breeding sites. It complements active traps like the BG-Mosquitaire in integrated mosquito control programs.
BG-GAT2 (Gravid Aedes Trap)
The BG-GAT 2 is the next generation of the BG-GAT- a passive trap that captures egg-laying female Aedes mosquitoes by simulating breeding sites. It complements active traps like the BG-Mosquitaire in integrated mosquito control programs.
BG-Home
BG Home Indoor Mosquito Trap Bundle
The BG-Home is an indoor mosquito trap (the only indoor trap Biogents offers) that uses light, air movement, and scent to attract and capture mosquitoes as well as other insects without insecticides.
BG-Lure
BG-Lure is a Biogents attractant containing lactic acid, ammonia, and caproic acid. It is designed to mimic human skin odor to increase trap catch rates.
BG-Mosquitaire
The BG-Mosquitaire is a reusable outdoor mosquito trap that uses Biogents’ attractant technology to lure host-seeking mosquitoes without insecticides. It’s ideal for residential gardens and patios.
BG-Pro
The BG-Pro is a modular researcher-grade trap designed for flexible use in the field, compatible with CO₂ and Biogents attractants for vector surveillance.
BG-Sentinel 2
The BG-Sentinel 2 is Biogents’ flagship trap for research and surveillance of Aedes mosquitoes. It is used worldwide by public health institutions.
BG-Sweetscent
BG-Sweetscent is a long-lasting Biogents attractant that releases human-scent-like compounds over two months, designed for use with BG traps.
Biological Control
Biological control, also known as biocontrol, is a method of managing pest populations, including mosquitoes, by utilizing their natural enemies, such as predators, parasites, or pathogens. This approach aims to reduce pest numbers through ecological interactions, minimizing reliance on chemical interventions.
Breeding Site
A breeding site is any environment that offers the right conditions for mosquitoes to lay eggs and for larvae to develop. Typically, these sites feature stagnant or slow-moving water.
Breteau Index
The Breteau Index (BI) is a key entomological metric used in mosquito surveillance to assess the density of Aedes mosquito larvae and pupae, which are primary vectors for diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
Catch Bag
A catch bag is a mesh with a drawstring, fitted to the suction funnel that is used in most of Biogents’ active traps, including the BG-Sentinel, BG-Mosquitaire, BG-Protectors, and others. It fits inside the mosquito trap to collect and securely hold mosquitoes drawn in by the fan. It allows air to flow while preventing captured insects from escaping, making it easy to monitor and dispose of them.
CDC Light Trap
The CDC light trap is a portable, battery-operated device developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the collection of adult mosquitoes and other hematophagous insects.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya is an acute illness caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), transmitted primarily by infected Aedes mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Container Habitat
A container habitat refers to any natural or artificial receptacle that accumulates water and serves as a breeding site for mosquitoes.
CO₂ Emitter Nozzle
A CO₂ emitter nozzle is a component used in mosquito traps and CO₂ release systems to control the flow and dispersion of carbon dioxide. It ensures the gas is emitted at a steady, calibrated rate that simulates/mimics a human’s respiration, effectively attracting host-seeking mosquitoes.
Culex
Culex is a genus of mosquitoes, commonly known as house mosquitoes, comprising approximately 770 species, many of which are significant vectors of diseases like West Nile Virus, Avian Malaria, and encephalitis, affecting humans, birds, and other animals.
DEET
DEET (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is one of the most widely used insect repellents. It is a colorless, slightly yellow liquid that is insoluble in water but dissolves in organic solvents like ethanol, ether, and benzene.
Dengue
Dengue is an acute viral illness caused by the dengue virus (DENV), transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Drift
Pesticide drift refers to the unintentional movement of pesticide particles from the intended application area to unintended regions, either as liquid droplets, solids, or vapor.
Entomological Surveillance
Entomological surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data on vector species, their population dynamics, and behaviors to inform and evaluate vector control programs. This process involves monitoring changes in the geographical distribution of vectors, assessing the effectiveness of control measures, and facilitating timely decisions regarding interventions.
Environmental Management
Environmental management refers to the strategic modification of environments to reduce or eliminate mosquito breeding sites and to lower the risk of disease transmission.
Fermentation CO₂ System
A Fermentation CO₂ System in mosquito traps is a mechanism that generates carbon dioxide (CO₂) through the fermentation of organic substances, such as sugars or molasses, to attract mosquitoes. Biogents offers a CO₂ powder product on the researcher site that provides a one-time use, 24-hour release of CO₂, utilizing a combination of yeasts and nutrients.
Mosquitoes are drawn to CO₂ as it is a primary component of human breath, signaling the presence of a potential host. By mimicking this cue, fermentation-based CO₂ systems enhance the efficacy of mosquito traps.
Fogging
Fogging is an adulticide mosquito control technique that disperses insecticides into the air as fine droplets, targeting adult mosquitoes in flight. This method employs Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) application, releasing minimal amounts of insecticide, typically about 3 to 5 ounces per acre, to minimize environmental impact.
Gravid Trap
A gravid trap is a specialized device designed to attract and capture gravid (egg-laden) container-breeding female mosquitoes, like those from the genus Culex and Aedes.
Insecticide Resistance
Insecticide resistance is a heritable change in the sensitivity of a pest population, resulting in the repeated failure of an insecticide to achieve the expected level of control when used according to label recommendations.
Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN)
An insecticide-treated net (ITN) is a mosquito net that has been treated with insecticides to repel, disable, or kill mosquitoes, thereby reducing malaria transmission. ITNs are a key component of malaria prevention strategies, particularly in regions where the disease is endemic. The insecticides used in ITNs are typically from the pyrethroid class, known for their efficacy and safety for human use.
Integrated Vector Management (IVM)
Integrated Vector Management (IVM) is a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy for controlling vector-borne diseases by optimizing the use of resources through a combination of interventions. In the context of mosquito traps, IVM involves the strategic deployment of various trapping methods to monitor and reduce mosquito populations effectively.
Knockdown
In entomology, "knockdown" refers to the rapid immobilization or paralysis of insects following exposure to an insecticide, preceding potential mortality. This effect is particularly associated with pyrethroid insecticides, which disrupt the nervous system by modifying the function of voltage-gated sodium channels, leading to immediate loss of motor function.
Larval Habitat
A larval habitat is an aquatic environment where mosquito larvae develop before maturing into adults. These habitats vary widely and include natural settings such as ponds, marshes, swamps, and tree holes, as well as artificial containers like discarded tires, gutters, and water storage vessels.
Larval Source Management (LSM)
Larval source management (LSM) is a vector control strategy aimed at reducing mosquito populations by targeting their aquatic breeding habitats to prevent the development of immature stages into adult mosquitoes.
Larvicide
A larvicide is an insecticide specifically formulated to target and eliminate the larval stage of insects, particularly mosquitoes. By disrupting the development of larvae, larvicides prevent them from maturing into adult mosquitoes capable of transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
LLIN (Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net)
A Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) is a factory-treated mosquito net designed to provide durable protection against mosquito-borne diseases, particularly malaria. Unlike conventional insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), LLINs are engineered to retain their insecticidal efficacy for an extended period, typically 3 to 5 years, even after multiple washes.
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It remains a major global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, where it causes hundreds of thousands of deaths annually despite being preventable and treatable.
Methoprene
Methoprene is a synthetic insect growth regulator (IGR) that functions as a juvenile hormone analog, disrupting the normal development of insect larvae and preventing them from maturing into reproductive adults. Its chemical formula is C₁₉H₃₄O₃, and it appears as an amber-colored liquid with a faint fruity odor.
Microbial Larvicide (Bti/Bs)
Microbial larvicide (Bti/Bs) refers to biological agents derived from the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti) and Bacillus sphaericus (Bs), utilized for controlling mosquito larvae populations. These bacteria produce protein toxins that, when ingested by mosquito larvae, disrupt their midgut cells, leading to larval death.
Monitoring Trap
A monitoring trap is a device engineered to attract, capture, and monitor mosquito populations, particularly vector species like Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex mosquitoes, and Anopheles mosquitoes. Biogents offers the BG-Sentinel 2 and BG-Pro for research and monitoring purposes.
Mosquito Proofing
Mosquito-proofing refers to the implementation of physical barriers and environmental modifications designed to prevent mosquitoes from entering living spaces and breeding in surrounding areas.
Mosquito Traps
Mosquito traps are devices designed to attract, capture, and monitor mosquitoes using a combination of stimuli such as carbon dioxide, heat, light, and chemical attractants. These traps mimic human or animal cues to lure mosquitoes and are used for both surveillance and population reduction.
| Trap Model | Primary Use | Compatible Attractants | Target Species |
| BG-Mosquitaire Without CO₂ | Outdoor residential mosquito control | BG-Sweetscent | Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus |
| Outdoor residential mosquito control | BG-Sweetscent | Aedes, Culex, and potentially other species of mosquitoes. | |
| BG-Home | Indoor Mosquito Monitoring | BG- Sweetscent Sweetscent | Aedes aegypti, Culex spp. And other insects. |
| BG-GAT | Passive trap for egg-laying mosquitoes | None (passive lure) | Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex spp |
| BG-Pro | Professional field surveillance | BG-Lure, CO₂, BG-Sweetscent | Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex spp. And potentially other species of mosquitoes if using CO₂ |
| BG-Sentinel 2 | Research and vector monitoring | BG-Lure, BG-Sweetscent, CO₂ | Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and potentially other species of mosquitoes if using CO₂ |
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is a refined essential oil derived from the leaves of the lemon-scented gum tree (Corymbia citriodora), which is native to Australia. The primary active component of OLE is para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), a monoterpene alcohol known for its insect-repellent properties.
Ovitrap
An ovitrap is a surveillance tool designed to monitor and control populations of container-breeding mosquitoes, particularly species like Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are primary vectors for diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya.
Personal Protective Measures (PPM)
Personal protective measures (PPM) are strategies employed by individuals to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Picaridin
Picaridin, also known as icaridin, is a synthetic insect repellent belonging to the piperidine chemical family. Its chemical name is sec-butyl 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate, and it has the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number 119515-38-7.
Pyrethroids
Pyrethroids are a class of synthetic insecticides structurally derived from natural pyrethrins, which are compounds extracted from the flowers of Chrysanthemum species. These synthetic analogs are designed to enhance the insecticidal properties of pyrethrins while improving their stability and efficacy. A very commonly used pyrethroid is known as Permethrin, which is commonly used to treat fabrics or clothing to deter mosquitoes.
Pyriproxyfen
Pyriproxyfen is a synthetic insect growth regulator belonging to the class of juvenile hormone analogs. Its chemical name is 2-[1-methyl-2-(4-phenoxyphenoxy)ethoxy]pyridine, with the molecular formula C₂₀H₁₉NO₃ and a molecular weight of 321.37 g/mol.
Repellent
A repellent is a substance applied to skin, clothing, or other surfaces to deter insects from landing or biting. Repellents are crucial in preventing insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease.
Resistance Management
Resistance management involves strategies to delay or prevent insecticide resistance in mosquito populations, including rotating insecticides and integrating non-chemical control methods.
Source Reduction
Source reduction refers to the permanent or long-lasting elimination, alteration, or management of mosquito breeding habitats in order to prevent or reduce the development of larval and pupal stages. It involves physical environmental changes (e.g., drainage, filling, covering, removal of standing water) or modifications that make potential oviposition sites unsuitable for mosquito reproduction.
Space Spray
Space spraying is a vector control technique involving the dispersal of insecticides into the air to target and eliminate adult mosquitoes. This method is commonly employed during disease outbreaks to rapidly reduce mosquito populations and interrupt disease transmission cycles.
Spatial Repellent
A spatial repellent is a chemical agent that, when dispersed into the air, induces behavioral responses in insects, such as movement away from the source, attraction inhibition, and feeding inhibition. This reduces human-vector contact and lowers the risk of disease transmission.
Spinosad
Spinosad is a naturally derived insecticide composed primarily of spinosyn A and spinosyn D, which are macrolide compounds produced through the fermentation of the soil bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa. These spinosyns feature a unique tetracyclic ring system linked to an amino sugar (D-forosamine) and a neutral sugar (tri-O-methyl-L-rhamnose).
Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)
The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly method of pest control that involves rearing, sterilizing, and releasing target insects to suppress or eliminate populations.
Surveillance
In the context of mosquito control and vector management, surveillance refers to the systematic collection, analysis, monitoring, and interpretation of data related to mosquito populations and the pathogens they may carry.
Ultra-Low Volume (ULV)
Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) application is a pesticide spraying technique characterized by the use of minimal quantities of liquid formulations, typically less than 5 liters per hectare for field crops and less than 50 liters per hectare for tree or bush crops.
Vector
In epidemiology, a vector is a living organism that transmits infectious pathogens between humans or from animals to humans. Vectors are typically blood-feeding arthropods such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
Vector Surveillance
Vector surveillance refers to the systematic monitoring and analysis of vector populations and their potential to transmit disease, informing control and prevention programs. This includes strategies like environmental management to eliminate vector breeding sites, chemical interventions using insecticides, and biological controls employing natural predators.
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus (WNV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus within the family Flaviviridae. It is a member of the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex, which includes other neurotropic viruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus. This virus is carried by Culex mosquitoes.
Wolbachia
Wolbachia is a genus of Gram-negative, intracellular bacteria belonging to the order Rickettsiales. These bacteria are endosymbionts, infecting a wide range of arthropods, including approximately 60% of insect species, and certain nematodes. These bacteria are being used in experimental studies to manage mosquito populations through reproductive inhibitions, including egg non-viability.
Zika Virus
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the genus Flavivirus within the family Flaviviridae. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, notably Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The virus was first isolated in 1947 from a rhesus macaque in the Zika Forest of Uganda.