A simple insect control trap

It is feared that Dengue may reach epidemic proportion If ignored.

I have come across a simple device for trapping mosquitos which may help in disease control.

All that is required is an empty plastic water bottle preferably of a Litre size. This is cut across, with the bottom half being slightly longer than the upper. The halves are Inverted and fixed firmly. The neck opening should be about three-quarters of an inch above the base. Fill water up to about an inch below the top of the assembly.

Place the contraptions in shady places that mosquitos inhabit. The object is to attract them to lay their eggs in the traps. When the eggs hatch from the floating rafts, the larvae will wriggle to the bottom where they will remain captive.

Needless to say, the traps should be emptied weekly and refilled. If there are enough concerned participants, this simple device could effectively reduce insect numbers and the risks of dengue and perhaps other insect-borne afflictions, such as filaria and malaria.

Dr. Upatissa Pethiyagoda