Distribution of larval habitats and efficiency of various trap settings for sympatric <i>Aedes albopictus</i> and <i>Aedes aegypti</i> in LaReunion

Two <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes, vectors of dengue and chikungunya viruses, are found in Saint-Joseph (La Reunion): <i>Aedes albopictus</i> (the most widespread and abundant) and <i>Aedes aegypti</i>, with contrasted ecology. This study aimed to prepare a boosted sterile insect technique control trial using sterile male <i>Aedes albopictus</i> treated with a larval biocide. We assessed the efficacy of two mosquito traps to catch these two species. Also, we investigated which breeding sites they share. Using a standard comparison procedure, we showed that BG Sentinel adult traps baited with bottled carbon dioxide were equally attractive for both species. The survey of breeding sites showed that Aedes aegypti can be found in vacoas (<i>Pandanus utilis</i>) located several hundred meters away from ravines. However, larvae of <i>Aedes albopictus</i> were found in most vacoas, thus reassuring that targeting this species in the control program would also allow to suppress <i>Aedes aegpti</i> populations