Larval Mosquito Surveillance

larva

Larval surveillance is the key to mosquito based integrated pest management programs. Regular monitoring and surveillance of mosquito breeding areas (larval habitats) can determine:

  • Environmental conditions that favor mosquito development        
  • Mosquito vector and bridge vector species present
  • Mosquito population size and stage of development
  • The presence of a defined human arboviral transmission risk
  • The type of control that may be needed
  • If controls implemented are effective

Catch Basin Monitoring:

Catch Basin Monitoring is an essential part of a multidirectional approach to controlling mosquito populations associated with West Nile Virus (WNV). Many WNV vector species are found breeding in artificial containers.

Mosquito species typically collected from typical catch basin habitats:

  • Culex pipiens
  • Culex restuans
  • Culex salinarius
  • Ochlerotatus japonicus
  • Ochlerotatus triseriatus

Targeting designated catch basins for surveillance will aid in controlling vector species at their source and reduce the human risks associated with urban mosquito bites. Larval dipping in catch basins will determine the seasonality, abundance and breeding potential of vector mosquito species present in a given area. This information will be used to develop efficient and timely control strategies. Continuous larval sampling during the season also aids in monitoring the timeliness, duration and effectiveness of a particular control strategy.

  • Salt Marsh Monitoring
  • Catch Basin Monitoring (Culex spp.)
  • Spring Snowmelt Surveillance
  • Summer Flood-water Surveillance
  • Red Maple Swamp Surveillance (Cs. melanura)
  • Cattail Surveillance

Oviposition Traps (OVI)

These traps were designed by Entomologist Kimberly Foss and Field Technician Ross Mehaffey for specifically trapping Aedes Albopictus mosquito eggs which are a vector for disease. The trap's design has cups that are lined with filter paper and half filled water. The female Aedes Albopictus mosquito will lay their eggs on the paper inside the cup and the filter will be collected. The design reduces the risk of tipping over, sun evaporation, or being windblown. The traps will be used for surveillance and placed at higher risk areas in the district. They are built from recycled pesticide barrels. 

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