P 9 - The Impact of Aromatic Plants on BG Sentinel II Trap Efficacy

Abstract: Aromatic plants such as lavender (Lavandula sp.) and geranium (Geranium sp.) are frequently found in residential front yards. Their prevalence can be attributed to their remarkable drought tolerance, a highly sought-after trait in the arid Mediterranean climate of Fresno County, California. These aromatic plants are known to emit volatile compounds when agitated. This study aimed to determine whether aromatic plants in residential landscaping deter mosquitoes, resulting in decreased mosquito activity on the property.  

 The study was conducted in Clovis, California using BG-Sentinel (II) traps to sample the mosquito population. Traps were set weekly next to lavender, geranium, or a non-aromatic control plant. There was no significant difference in the number of mosquitoes collected adjacent to aromatic plants when compared to the control group of non-aromatic plants. Although there were slightly more mosquitoes collected overall at the control sites, this difference was not statistically significant.