Vision System for the Observation of Mosquito Behavioral Responses with Computational Analysis of the Gradient Concentration Profile of DEET

Abstract

DEET is a common active ingredient in most spatial repellents that prevents mosquitoes from detecting and coming into contact with a human. Contact prevention reduces mosquito biting and thus the spread of diseases such as malaria, and West Nile virus. Several studies by the World Health Organization provide the majority of efficacy testing methods for DEET, however, these studies do not measure the dissipation of DEET gas or mosquitoes behavioural reaction to it. Gas sensing technologies such as metal oxide semiconductor sensors can detect DEETs volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This research adapts methods from the WHO and use of MOS sensors to further understand how and why DEET affects mosquitoes. A custom developed system was used to measure DEET dissipation and concurrently observe mosquito behavioural response to the DEET. Specifically, DEET dissipations and mosquito movements were measured within a specially designed glass chamber, divided into quadrants, providing a novel and alternate method of measuring DEETs efficacy. Results of mosquito movements and DEET concentrations recorded in each quadrant showed that mosquitoes are attracted to bait, however once DEET was added there is a significant decline in mosquito movement across all quadrants. The decline increased with the increase in DEET concentration.