🦟 Transforming the BG Pro Trap (Biogents) for Multiple Mosquito Collection Methods with 3D Printing

Introduction

Molecular Xenomonitoring (MX) is a non-invasive surveillance strategy that detects pathogens from field-collected vectors, typically mosquitoes. It relies on effective and adaptable trapping systems to gather vector samples from diverse environments. One of the most versatile traps for this purpose is the BG Pro trap by Biogents, widely used for mosquito surveillance.

In this tutorial, I will guide you through several 3D-printed modifications that reconfigure the BG Pro trap to support multiple mosquito collection methods tailored for MX strategies. These enhancements aim to maximize trap versatility while maintaining effective airflow and mosquito capture efficiency.

🔍 Summary of the MX Strategy

• MX relies on field collection of mosquitoes to non-destructively detect pathogens (e.g., viruses) from their excreta.
• The BG Pro trap, with its modular design, is ideal for integration with MX adapters.
• However, some modifications can be made to optimize its performance for this use.

🧩 Introducing the MX Adapter in the BG Pro

• The MX adapter is inserted inside the trap body to collect excreta from mosquitoes.
• However, this adapter reduces the internal airflow, which may impact mosquito capture.
• Several 3D-printed components and positioning strategies can improve airflow and performance.

1. 🔄 Fan Placement: Bottom vs. Top

• The BG Pro fan can be installed either:
  • At the bottom, pulling mosquitoes downward inside the MX adapter without letting them pass through the fan.
    • Pros: In theory, this improves the physical integrity of the insects captured: we need to keep them alive ¹.
    • Cons: The volume of the adapter in the trap can disrupt air flows and reduce suction ².

• Or at the top, also pulling mosquitoes downward inside the MX adapter, but in this configuration, they are going through the fan.
  • Pros: The fan is sucking the air directly from the outside, which can improve the air flow.
  • Cons: This can impact the physical integrity and survival of the insects captured.

In the top-fan configuration, you will need a 3D-printed extender to place the intake funnel holder with the anti-return valve. A 3D-printed grid is available to replace the original cap and to keep your fingers out of the fan.

2. 🌬️ Testing Airflow with Different Net Fabrics

• The net material significantly impacts airflow and suction efficiency.
• I will demonstrate:
  • Airflow speed with the fan at the top vs. bottom.
  • Performance with different net fabric types.

🌬️ Airflow Measurements (m/s) with Different Fabric Types

🧵 Fabric Descriptions

• Fabric 1: very small mesh (Polyethylene)
• Fabric 2: very small mesh (Vlieseline 41 g/m²)
• Fabric 3: classic mosquito net

The type of fabric doesn’t impact much the air flow when the fan is placed at the top. However, it is another story when it is placed at the bottom. A small mesh size might be mandatory to trap a wide range of vectors, including small ones like Culicoides or Phlebotomes.

Choosing the right fabric ensures efficient trapping without reducing airflow too much. Pleased tell me if you find a good fabric!!

3. ⬇️ Upside-Down Configuration for Gravid or Frommer Mode

• With the fan at the top or bottom, the trap can be:
  • Flipped upside-down to mimic a CDC gravid trap or a Frommer trap.
• This configuration allows targeted collection of gravid mosquitoes using infusion attractants.

To do that you will need this MX adapter holder if you already have printed MX adaptors, or you can directly print this bottom part that replace the original.
The adaptor can be fixed in a taut position using one or two rubber bands, as shown in the photo. This prevents movement and allows the collection net to be tensioned. No “Bling Bling” noise anymore while you manipulate it.

4. 💨 Using the BG Pro as a Prokopak Aspirator

• In the last configuration, the trap can also be reconfigured into a Prokopak-style hand aspirator:
  • Ideal for aspirating resting mosquitoes in shelters or vegetation. Of course the air suction is a bit less than a 12V powered Prokopak, I am sure it can do the job and no need to carry additional 12V battery, a small 10 000 or 20 000 maH power tank will do the job.

Conclusion

By combining 3D printing with the modular BG Pro design, you can transform a single trap into multiple collection tools tailored for MX and traditional entomological surveillance. These enhancements are field-friendly, low-cost, and adaptable to various vector surveillance strategies.

Download links for STL files:

• 3D-printed extender
  File 1

• 3D-printed grid File 2

• MX adapter holder File 3

• Modified MX adaptor bottom File 4