French Town Declares War on Tiger Mosquitoes with Innovative, Chemical-Free Traps
A novel approach to mosquito control is yielding promising results in the French commune of Cannet, offering a potential blueprint for communities worldwide grappling with the increasing threat of insect-borne diseases. For over a year, local officials have been deploying antimoustic terminals – devices that mimic human breath and scent to lure and trap mosquitoes – as a key component of a broader strategy to combat the invasive tiger mosquito.
The situation had become untenable, according to a senior official responsible for leading the effort. “As elsewhere in the department, it became unlivable in certain sectors,” he stated, noting widespread complaints from residents and restaurateurs, particularly in the old town. The tiger mosquito, a relatively recent arrival, has quickly established itself as a significant nuisance, plaguing the region from spring through autumn.
Initial trials of the terminals, placed in strategic locations like a crèche and a residence, proved remarkably effective. Following this success, the town has now installed twenty terminals throughout Cannet, each capable of covering an area up to 60 meters in radius. These devices are strategically positioned between April and October in areas identified as mosquito hotspots.
How the Antimoustic Terminals Work
Visually unassuming – described as resembling a large box – the terminals house a sophisticated system. They release carbon dioxide to simulate human breathing, coupled with an olfactory lure that mimics human body odor. This irresistible combination draws mosquitoes towards the device, where they are captured without the use of harmful chemicals, noise, or unpleasant smells. Importantly, the terminals are designed to target mosquitoes specifically, leaving beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs unharmed.
“The bins are raised every week,” a local official explained, “I am unable to tell you how many mosquitoes are trapped, but the one liter bins are full each time.” He added that a noticeable reduction in mosquito activity has been observed in areas where the terminals are deployed, emphasizing the importance of strategic placement – 50 meters upstream from areas of human activity, taking wind direction into account.
A Costly, But Effective, Solution
The innovative policy comes at a significant financial cost. Each terminal represents an investment of 1,000 euros, excluding ongoing maintenance expenses. Despite the price tag, local businesses are already seeing the benefits. Rémy, the manager of the Bellevue house in the old town, reported “a radical change before and after the terminal.” He explained that the constant presence of mosquitoes had been disrupting business, with customers complaining about the nuisance on the terrace. “The terminal was installed last year in the middle of the place and it is much better,” he confirmed.
The success of the program extends beyond mere comfort. Since the installation of the terminals, the commune has reported no detected cases of dengue fever. However, officials remain vigilant, emphasizing a multi-pronged approach to mosquito control. This includes the deployment of laying traps for female mosquitoes and the application of larvicide in areas prone to standing water.
“The struggle must be collective,” a senior official stressed. “We will only gain like that.” In addition to the town’s initiatives, public awareness campaigns are underway, encouraging residents to eliminate stagnant water sources in their gardens. Residents are also being encouraged to invest in these effective terminals themselves.
The Cannet’s experience offers a compelling case study for communities seeking sustainable and environmentally responsible solutions to the growing challenge of mosquito-borne diseases.
