[New trap for the capture of triatomines in wild and peridomestic habitats]

Abstract

Introduction: Wild triatomines have become increasingly important in the transmission of Chagas disease because of their frequent house entry behavior. Knowledge of their biology is limited, and few tools are available for their collection. These needs led to the design of a new trap for live triatomines.

Objectives: The characteristics are described of a new bait trap designed for collecting triatomines. Trap usage and preliminary results are described for collections in several regional natural habitats in Colombia.

Materials and methods: The trap houses a live animal as bait and provides a shelter for triatomines that are attracted by the bait.

Results: The trap was very effective for collecting Rhodnius prolixus, Triatoma dimidiata and Rhodnius pallescens in the natural habitats of each species. Triatomine density ranged widely in palm environments in each of two regions, and a relatively higher density in areas surrounding dwellings in the Andean region.

Conclusions: The new trap for collecting triatomines proved successful in collecting live wild triatomines, using live bait native to the study areas. It is easy to transport and place, it is functions well in a variety of habitats, and it is more effective than other traps using live bait.