Programmatic implementation of Ovicol ovitraps for Aedes control in Colombia: operational adherence, effectiveness, and comparisons with AGO and BG-Sentinel traps

Introduction. The global expansion of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus has intensified arboviral epidemics, generating annual socio-economic losses exceeding USD 2 billion, mainly in the Americas. The desiccation-resistant egg stage plays a key role in mosquito persistence and spread, yet remains insufficiently targeted by current control strategies. Objective. To evaluate the operational feasibility and effectiveness of a low-cost, handcrafted ovitrap (Ovicol) implemented by two territorial health entities (ETSs) in Colombia, and to compare its performance with industrial AGO and BG-Sentinel (BGS) traps. Methods. Ovicol traps were baited with birdseed or molasses + yeast attractants. In Santa Marta, traps were installed in public areas (markets, cemeteries, sports complexes) using diflubenzuron; in San José del Guaviare, they were deployed in institutions (hotels, schools, health centers) using diflubenzuron and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi). Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, ANOVA/χ², nonparametric tests, and spatial cluster detection. Results. In Santa Marta, 41,677 eggs (100% A. aegypti ) were eliminated in five weeks. The Oviposition Positivity Index (OPI) ranged from 40.6–74.5%, with up to 88% trap loss at one site due to vandalism. In Guaviare, Ovicol detected oviposition within 24 h and outperformed AGO in Aedes detection (OPI = 65.2% vs. 30.8%; r  = 0.87; p  < 0.001). The fermented birdseed attractant achieved higher positivity (Kruskal–Wallis H = 9.42; p  = 0.009). Compared with BGS, Ovicol showed superior field stability—BGS suffered ≥ 70% disconnections during weekends—and low concordance (Kappa = − 0.17). Conclusions. Ovicol is a cost-effective, operationally feasible, and eco-sustainable tool for Aedes surveillance and control. By surpassing AGO and complementing BGS, it enhances spatiotemporal resolution for early microfocus detection and targeted response. Acting as a lethal trap, one diflubenzuron tablet (normally for 200 L) can treat ≈ 800 Ovicol (0.25 L each), extending coverage to ~ 800 households and achieving an ~ 800-fold increase in larvicide efficiency. These findings support Ovicol’s incorporation into national programs to promote sustainable, community-driven Integrated Vector Management (IVM).