DEVELOPMENT OF PHEROMONE BASED SMART MOSQUITO TRAP

Abstract

This thesis aimed to develop a pheromone based smart mosquito trap for reducing the regional and temporal occurrences of mosquito-transmitted pathogens. The study was mainly concerned with killing mosquitoes in a very large outdoor area without negatively impacting the physical health of living beings. The device was constructed from a 5 mm thick acrylic sheet and includes several mosquito-attracting elements, including a heating pad, UV light, CO2 cylinder, and pheromone. An exhaust fan and one particular sticky substance were used to catch the mosquitoes. The CO2 dispersion and the fan's start and end times could be controlled. Other components were running the whole time. The device used four different pheromone formulations. The formulations were made by combining different ingredients such as Cyclopentanone, Palmitic Acid, Oleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Citric Acid, and Mushroom Extracts (Shiitake Mushroom & Reishi Mushroom). The four pheromone formulations underwent Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Refractive Index & Brix Test, and UV Spectrum Test, and the results were really good. The trial period of the device consisted of a total of 8 days, and each day, a different kind of pheromone formulation was used with and without CO2. The test was successful, demonstrating that the device is able to capture and kill lots of mosquitoes in a vast outdoor space without dispersing any dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere.