Science for your protection

Instruction Manual
for the

Biogents Sentinel
An innovative trapping system
for mosquitoes & other
hematophagous insects

Biogents AG Weienburgstrae 22 D-93055 Regensburg Germany

tel: +49 - 941 - 5699 - 2167 fax: +49 - 941 5699 - 2168
www.bg-sentinel.com www.biogents.com

Introduction to the Biogents Sentinel trap

Congratulations on your purchase of the Biogents Sentinel trap. You have bought
the latest innovation in mosquito traps that is the result of over 16 years of scientific
research at the University of Regensburg, Germany. The BG-Sentinel incorporates
patented, as well as, patent pending technology and was initially developed to enable
researchers all over the world to monitor the yellow fever mosquito, also known as
dengue mosquito, Aedes aegypti and the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus.

During its use on different continents it became evident that the BG-Sentinel also
catches other mosquito species and blood seeking insects. This is why the trap is
now used by scientists, healthcare professionals, PCOs (Pest Control Operators), and
private households worldwide.
Numerous independent scientific studies have been conducted with the BG-Sentinel
all over the world, and it has been successfully proven to be the most effective mosquito trap on the market. For an extensive list of all the publications on the BG-Sentinel, please visit our website.
The BG-Sentinel does not require CO2 to attract:
Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Aedes polynesiensis
Some Culex species like Culex quinquefasciatus or Culex pipiens
With the addition of CO2 the BG-Sentinel attracts:
Additional mosquitoes such as Ochlerotatus,
Aedes vexans, Aedes cinereus, Anopheles
or Coquillettidia
Other hematophagous insects such as black
flies (Simuliidae) or no-see-ums/biting
midges (Ceratopogonidae)
Increased numbers of the species mentioned
above (attracted without CO2)

Further developed versions of the Biogents Sentinel trap, called the Biogents Mosquitaire and Mosquitito,
are specifically designed for private households. For more info on these traps please visit:
www.biogents.com or www.mosquitaire.com

Trust & Competence

The Biogents Sentinel trap is used (u), or was successfully tested (t), by independent,
reputable organizations all over the world, including:

The World Health Organization, WHO (u)

The German, French, and US armed Forces (u)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA (u)
Pasteur Institute, France (u)
Tropical Public Health Unit Network - Cairns, Australia (u)
AQIS Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service (t)
Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (u)
Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Germany (u)
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation projects in Asia and Brazil

The BG-Sentinel was developed by the same group of biologists that contributed to
the development of the mosquito repellent Icaridin (Bayrepel).
Technology & Safety

The BG-Sentinel uses innovative patented and patent-pending technology.

The BG-Sentinel is safe and easy to handle, requires an electric power supply of
only 12 Volts and does not emit toxic chemicals.

Flexible Use & Possible Upgrades:

The BG-Sentinel is collapsible (diameter: 35 cm; height: 10 cm) and light (0.8 kg)
making it easy to transport, carry, and store.

The BG-Sentinel can be easily assembled in as little as 5 minutes and does not
require the use of any tools.

The BG-Sentinel can be safely used indoors (without CO2) as well as outdoors,
according to your needs.

The BG-Sentinel is large enough to incorporate additional attractants (fragran

ces, small animals, worn clothing, animal hairs, lights) making it a very versatile
research tool.
You can upgrade the BG-Sentinel with the Biogents proprietary CO2 device.
Another upgrade is a larger catch bag for pest insects such as house flies or for
mass trapping operations.

Eco-Friendliness:

In contrast to most other traps, the BG-Sentinel trap does not catch beneficial
insects such as honey bees, ladybugs, and butterflies.

It does not use insecticides or pesticides.

The trap requires no more than 3.4 Watts per hour.

User Information
Thoroughly read all information contained within this manual before operating the
Biogents Sentinel mosquito trap.
Please only use accessories and spare parts that are recommended by the manufacturer. The use of other nets or gauze with the trap can significantly reduce the catch
rate or even render it completely ineffective.
For best results, the trap needs to be permanently operated. If switched off, the catch
bag needs to be properly removed to prevent the caught mosquitoes from escaping.

Parts List
The BG-Sentinel basic version trap comes with the following contents. For additional
accessories, please see our Product Catalog.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Black intake funnel

Funnel net
Catch bag (2x)
White gauze cover
White plastic trap
Mounting poles (3x)
Inner suction tube
Fan
Fan Cable

Assembling the Trap

1. Take the trap and all of the contents shown above out
of its green carrying bag pictured to the right.
2. Unfold the collapsed, white trap (5) containing
the inner suction tube (7) and fan (8) and straighten
it out into a standing position.

3. Insert the three mounting poles (6) into

the inner side of the trap by first placing
the pole onto the metal ring in the openings on the bottom of the trap [Fig. A]
and then slightly bending it to place the
top of the pole under the metal ring that
encompasses the top of the trap. [Fig.
B]
4. Thread the cable from the chosen source of power supply through the opening
located at the bottom of the trap [Fig. C]
and connect it to the fan cable (9).

5. Place the white gauze cover (4) over the

top surface of the trap and make sure it
is taut. Pull the drawstrings tight and tie
them together. [Fig. D]

IMPORTANT: The white gauze cover should

be pulled over the trap before the black intake funnel with attached funnel net and
catch bag is placed into the trap. This ensures a secure placement of the intake funnel
and simplifies the removal of the catch bag
by allowing it to be easily lifted out.

6. Next, pull the funnel net (2) around the

bottom section of the intake funnel (1),
and then place the catch bag (3) around
the funnel net on the intake funnel. Make
sure the seam of the catch bag is facing
outward. Secure the catch bag around
the intake funnel by tightening the cord
on top of the bag. [Fig. E-G]
NOTE: The funnel net makes it difficult for
mosquitoes to escape in case the electricity
is cut off.

HINT: Position the catch bag roughly 3-5 cm

below the top of the funnel net to increase
the volume of the catch bag and to aid in removing the catch bag. [Fig. G]

7. Lastly, insert the intake funnel with the

attached funnel net and catch bag into
the central opening of the trap. [Fig. H]

Power Supply and Electricity

The suction fan requires a power source of 9 to 12 V DC (max. 280 mA). An optional
power supply unit (EU Version 220V input, 12V output) with fitting plug connection is
available. There are also extension cords, battery mounting support cables, and extra
plug connections available. Please refer to our Product Catalog.
When using batteries, we usually recommend 12 Volt motorcycle or car batteries.
These are easily rechargeable and readily available in most places. As a rule of thumb,
you will need a battery capacity of 10 to 11 Ah for each trap with a 24 hr trapping period (for a 48 hr period you will need a capacity of 20 to 22 Ah and so on). This includes
a security factor which should give you a peace of mind in most real-life situations.

Positioning of the Trap

The correct placement of the trap is an important factor that heavily influences its
effectiveness.
Outdoor Use (the trap can be operated with or without CO2):
Position the trap in a location that is sheltered from wind, heavy rainfall*, and direct
sunlight.

Not in wind

Not in heavy rainfall

Not in direct sunlight

*Rainfall will not damage the trap as long as the fan is switched on.

NOTE: The trap should not be placed too close to walls (min. distance of approx. 1 meter)

Optimal Positioning:

Ideal locations to position the trap are close to resting areas of mosquitoes such as
bushes, shrubs, hedges, or any other foliage; however placing the trap in very tall
grass or under bushes will impair its effectiveness.

The trap should also be positioned close to mosquito breeding sites such as various kinds of temporary stagnant water ranging from small lakes
to collections of rain water in rain barrels or old
tyres. Many mosquitoes do not need a large
amount of water for breeding; even a can filled
with rain water can be an ideal breeding place.

Important: Do not place the traps in tall grass or under bushes. The trap and all its upper surfaces should be clearly visible to patrolling mosquitoes, so that its specialized
appearance is effective in attracting the mosquitoes. A distance of at least 1.5 meters
above the top of the trap needs to be kept clear. Any distance lower will hinder the
visual signals and air currents of the trap and consequently reduce the catch rate.
Keep the traps out of strong wind. Strong winds not only deter the mosquitoes but can
also affect the suction from the ventilator decreasing the catch rate.
The BG-Sentinel is very stable and durable but also lightweight. To keep the trap from
toppling over you can:
1. Insert tent stakes into the holes in the side flaps. [Fig. B4]
2. Attach strings to the handles of the trap and fasten them
to the ground with tent stakes.
3. Hang the trap from the handles above the ground.

Sheltering the Trap from Rain:

Even though rainfall does not damage the trap, it can make it very difficult for insect
identification purposes. In these cases, it would be best to position the trap under
some form of shelter (e.g. an overhang, roofed area, or a self hung tarpaulin) to keep
it out of direct rainfall.
It is important to comply with the following regulations when sheltering the trap from
rain:
1. Whatever is placed over the trap must be at least 1.5 meters above the top surface of the trap. Any distance lower will hinder the visual signals and air currents
of the trap and consequently reduce the catch rate.
2. Make sure the shelter covers an adequate area around the trap, so that rain cannot enter from the sides.
3. Make sure the shelter is stable and durable.

Indoor Use (do not add CO2):

It is important that the trap is not placed in front of, or close to, backgrounds with a
lot of contrast (i.e. in front of a book shelf) because the trap uses a black and white
contrast as a visual stimulus and the mosquitoes could be distracted from the trap. A
good position would be in front of the window, for example.
The trap is a competitor with human beings. To optimize results, leave the trap constantly running even if no humans are present in the room/house for a period of time
and leave interior doors open to allow mosquitoes to find the trap.

Handling the Trap

If for some reason you want to switch off the trap, first you need to remove and close
the catch bag that is in use at the time. (See instructions below) This is because the
funnel net only makes it difficult for mosquitoes to escape but not entirely impossible.
Only a running fan ensures that the mosquitoes cannot escape from the catch bag.

Always remove the catch bag

before switching off the trap!

Removing the catch bag:

When replacing a full catch bag with a new one (following
steps 1 thru 4) the fan should be kept running to ensure no
mosquitoes escape out of the catch bag.

1. The black intake funnel should be placed loosely in the

suction tube so that it can be easily lifted (i.e. the white

gauze cover should be stretched over the trap before the
catch pipe is inserted into the suction tube when assembling).

2. Lift the intake funnel approximately 10 cm out of the trap

and keep the catch bag within the suction current of the
fan while removing it to ensure that no mosquitoes escape. [Fig. C1]

3. Carefully pull the catch bag off of the intake funnel and

simultaneously pull the cord of the catch bag tightly shut.

You can set the intake funnel on the side of the trap while
closing the catch bag. [Fig. C2]

4. Pull the funnel net out of the catch bag and make sure the
catch bag is tightly sealed by tying the cord around the
top of the bag to ensure that no mosquitoes can escape.
[Fig. C3]

For further use of the insects (e.g. identification/classification) it is best to put them in
a freezer for at least an hour to kill them. After several hours (or in some cases up to
a day depending on ambient temperature and humidity) the caught mosquitoes will
eventually dehydrate and die within the trap. The trap does not damage the insects,
but identification is complicated if the insects stay in the trap for more than 3 days and
dry out or if they get wet.
You should attach the catch bag to the intake funnel with the seam facing outwards in
order to avoid mosquitoes getting stuck in the seam while emptying the catch bag.

Lures and Attractants

In principal all kinds of lures can be used with the trap. Simply place the lure inside
the trap in the black mesh pocket located on the outside of the suction tube. We offer
our special patented BG-Lure, which mimics the scent of human skin and releases
a mixture of several compounds for up to five months. We also offer the Biogents
Sweetscent attractant which is similar to the BG Lure, but only lasts 2 months, and is
ideal for indoor use. Both products use substances which are classified as non-toxic
and attract blood seeking insects that prefer to feed on humans.
Inserting the Sweetscent & BG-Lure:
1. Open the package that contains the lure.
2. Remove the lure from the package.

3. Place the lure inside the black mesh pouch
(7) located on the outside of the suction
tube (8).

Maintenance
All nets must be kept clean, including the white gauze covering, catch bag, and funnel
net! Any dirt or dust can clog the pores of the nets and hinder the air flow. In case they
need to be cleaned, wash them (by hand or machine) with unperfumed soap to avoid
odour contamination! The residue from cleaning agents may have a repelling effect on
the mosquitoes and consequently reduce the catch rate.
If the catch bag is damaged or torn it should be replaced, as the mosquitoes are
able to escape. Extra catch bags, replacement sets and other accessories can be
purchased from your supplier.

Adding CO2
Without CO2 the BG-Sentinel catches Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Aedes
polynesiensis which are vectors of Dengue, Chikungunya, Filariasis and Yellow fever.
It also catches some Culex species such as Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex pipiens;
however, the addition of CO2 enables you to catch a broader range of blood seeking
species as well as much higher numbers of the previous mentioned species.
Various sources of CO2 can be used. The CO2 nozzle can be attached to a gas cylinder,
any well insulated dry ice container, or another CO2 source that fits your preference
and that is placed away from the trap. For more information on the addition of CO2
please visit our website: www.bg-sentinel.com

CO2 should be released by using the Biogents CO2 nozzle, which is customized for the
BG-Sentinel trap. Recommended flow rates of CO2 are between 70 and 500 ml/min.
Attaching the new 2011 CO2 nozzle:
1.

Before inserting the nozzle

onto the trap, cut a hole in the
gauze cover to put the nozzle
through for a better fit. Make
sure the hole is in the correct
location for the CO2 nozzle.
Due to the special fabric used,
the hole that is cut will not
fray. [Fig. P]

2.

Assemble the CO2 nozzle as

shown in figure Q.

3.

Insert the bottom of the CO2

nozzle (the gray PVC pole) into
the pocket formed by the seam
on the top side of the trap [Fig.
R] until the T-connector reaches the trap. [Fig. S]

4.

Insert the end of the CO2 tube

into the T-connector on the
CO2 emitter nozzle. [Fig. T]

5.

Now attach the other end of

the CO2 tube with the desired
flow restrictor (if relevant) to
the preferred CO2 source. Figure U shows the Biogents
specialized pressure reducing
regulator.

If you do not use the Biogents Eisenhans Carbonation Control System to regulate the
flow and minimize the output of CO2 while optimizing its release, then the CO2 flow restrictor is needed to minimze the flow of CO2 from the preferred source. Two options
are available: 70 ml/min and 175 ml/min flow rates.

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What can the Biogents Sentinel do?

Numerous independent scientific studies demonstrate that the BG-Sentinel is the most
effective trap for the yellow fever mosquito, or dengue mosquito, Aedes aegypti and
the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, even without the addition of CO2.
The following two graphs depict the performance of the BG-Sentinel (without CO2)
with monitoring Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito species in Brazil and
the United States, respectively.

Aedes aegypti (Belo Horizonte, Brazil)

47

70

45

70

40

Total number of collected mosquitoes

Total number of collected mosquitoes

50

Aedes albopictus (Gainesville, Floride, USA)

80

35
30
30
25
20
15
10
5

MosquitoMagnet
Liberty (only with
CO2)

Fay Prince
(without CO2)

60

50

40
29

30

20
14
10

BG-Sentinel
(without CO2)

Human landing
collection

BG-Sentinel (without CO2)

BG-Sentinel (with CO2)

CDC (with CO2)

The following graph depicts the performance of the BG-Sentinel trap (without CO2) in
controlling Aedes albopictus mosquito populations in Italy.
Field Study in Cesena, Italy
Longterm Effect of Biogents Traps

45

Mosquito Bites per Hour

40

Areas without Biogents traps

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

Areas with Biogents traps

20

20

May

25

25

June

30

30

July

35

35

August

40

40

September

45

45

October

This field study was conducted in Cesena, Italy with Aedes albopictus and shows how
the BG-Sentinel trap disrupts the normal population growth of the mosquitoes. The
trap decreased the mosquito population and therefore decreased the biting pressure.

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What the Biogents Sentinel cannot do

The Biogents Sentinel:
is not able to reduce populations of millions of mosquitoes a situation that can
occur after floods (no trap can do this).
is also not able to eliminate your mosquito problem over night in the best case
it should be left running for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for as long as possible.
Furthermore, the BG-Sentinel should be kept running even if the mosquito population has decreased to ensure that newly hatched mosquitoes (e.g. after heavy
rainfall) or migrating mosquitoes can still be captured.
cannot capture mosquitoes if insecticides or pesticides are sprayed in or around
the trap.
NOTE: If your trap does not catch mosquitoes sufficiently, you might have a problem
with specific mosquito species that are attracted by CO2 and therefore you should
try running the trap with CO2.

Troubleshooting
Problems

No mosquitoes in
the catch bag

Possible Reasons

Solutions

Fan is not running

Wrong placement of trap

Check the power supply

Place the trap according to
the advice mentioned above
Add CO2 to the trap according to the advice mentioned above
Recharge battery if you are
using one
Check that the single cables
are tightened into the plug
connections
Place the trap in an area
sheltered from strong winds
Place tent stakes into side
flaps of the trap to secure it
to the ground
Hang the trap above the
ground from the handles

Your target mosquito needs

CO2 as an attractant
Power supply out of order

Fan not running

Plug connections loose

Area with too much wind

Trap topples over

Trap not secured down

Knocked over by wind or

animals

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Safety Precautions
General
Children or persons unfamiliar with these instructions must not operate the
equipment.
The operator or user is responsible for accidents or hazards occurring to other
people or to their property.
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used and remove all
potential hazards.
When the trap is not in operation it should be stored in a safe, dry environment.
Please only use accessories and spare parts that are recommended by the manufacturer. The use of other nets or gauze with the trap can significantly reduce
the catch rate or even render it completely ineffective.
Electrical
When using a mains adapter always plug into a mains source that is in a safe,
dry place (preferably indoors).
Switch off and remove the mains adapter from the mains before all operations
except insect removal.
When using the car battery adapters always ensure these are connected correctly, bearing in mind any instructions from the car / car battery manufacturers.
Regularly inspect the electrical cables for signs of damage and only use if in perfect condition. If damaged, the cable must be replaced.
Attractants
All use of attractants should be carried out according to the manufactures recommendations for use and safety guidelines.
Carbon Dioxide
Many different sources of carbon dioxide are available. These have different
hazards and safety precautions associated with them. Always follow the manufacturer / supplier guidelines for the source you have chosen.
If any further problems occur or you have any further questions, please contact us
at:
Biogents AG
Weissenburgstr. 22
D-93055 Regensburg
Germany
www.bg-sentinel.com
[email protected]
phone: +49 941 5699 2167 or 3107
fax: +49 941 5699 2168

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