What is a major disadvantage of using a New Jersey light trap for adult mosquito surveillance?

• A. It is lightweight and can run on battery power, ideal for remote sites.
• B. It is heavy and cannot run on battery power, requiring a power outlet at deployment sites.
• C. It attracts only mosquitoes and ignores other insects.
• D. It is inexpensive and easy to maintain.

Answer: (B)

The main thing this question tests is how a New Jersey light trap operates and what that means for field use. This trap draws in mosquitoes using a light and suction fan, so it needs a steady power source to run the light and the fan. Because of that power requirement, the unit is heavy and cannot run on batteries, meaning you must have a power outlet or a generator at deployment sites. That limits where you can place traps, especially in remote or temporary field locations, making portability a major drawback for surveillance programs. In contrast, the other statements don’t reflect this key limitation: the trap isn’t truly lightweight or battery-powered, it doesn’t exclusively attract mosquitoes, and its cost or maintenance isn’t the primary issue in the context of surveillance practicality.