Triatoma infestans can be captured under natural climatic conditions using yeast-baited traps.

ABSTRACT

The effectiveness of a trap for triatomines baited with yeast cultures has been previously demonstrated in laboratory assays. We report results from assays testing yeast-traps for Triatoma infestans performed under natural climatic conditions. All assays were conducted at experimental chicken-coops colonised by bugs, situated at an endemic area for Chagas disease in Argentina. Two different models of traps were tested, for use either on the floor, or attached to walls. The results obtained clearly demonstrate that yeast-baited traps are effective for capturing triatomine bugs. Floor traps, when baited, captured significantly more bugs than their controls (t-test, P = 0.0008, k = 10). In addition, wall traps were also more effective, when compared to their controls (t-test, P = 0.011, k = 10). The maximum capture by a single yeast-trap was 39 bugs in one night, while for the same period the maximum capture by a control-trap was two bugs. Traps captured significantly more bugs at nights when maximum temperature was above 18 degrees C (t-test, P = 0.0002). Results indicate that yeast traps are capable of capturing significant numbers of free insects in one night. The potential use of yeast- traps for the detection of triatomine bugs is discussed.