(1) Artificial resting stations. Artificial resting stations may be utilized if
suitable natural resting stations are not available in sufficient numbers to give a
satisfactory evaluation of the mosquito population. It may be necessary to construct
special shelters or to use boxes, barrels, kegs, etc., as artificial resting stations. Many
different types of artificial shelters have been used. Simple artificial resting stations can
be made from plywood cut into square pieces, 12 inches on each side. Assemble five
such pieces of wood to form an open box and paint the box black outside with a red
interior (mosquitoes see red as black) to make it easier to see mosquitoes resting in the
boxes. Place the boxes with the opening on the side in the area to be sampled.
Mosquitoes enter such shelters at dawn, probably in response to changes in Iight
intensity and humidity, and ordinarily do not leave untiI dusk.
(2) Requirements. In order to collect mosquitoes at a resting station, a
flashlight, a kiII jar, an aspirator, and piIlboxes are needed. The kiII jar should be fully
charged so the mosquitoes are killed instantly as they enter the jar.
(3) Frequency. One collection per week from each station is sufficient for a
routine survey and control operation.
g. Biting Collections. The collection of mosquitoes as they bite is a very good
method of collecting adult mosquitoes.
(1) Animals. The preferred method is to make the collection from a
domestic animal right after sundown. The animal should be white or light colored so the
mosquitoes can be seen easiIy. Equipment needed is a flashlight, an aspirator, a kiII
jar, and piIlboxes.
(2) Human beings. Another way to collect mosquitoes as they bite is to use
a human being. The subject should expose part of his body by rolling up his sleeve or
trouser leg, or by removing his shirt and sitting quietly' for a period of 10 to 15 minutes.
The mosquitoes are collected with an aspirator operated by the subject or a co-worker.
Whether counts are made from humans or animals, remember that certain persons or
animals are more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Therefore, the same person or
animal should be used throughout a given survey. The collection should be made at
regular intervals and at approximately the same time so that biting rates at different
stations may be compared.
(3) Landing rates. With day biting species, the index may be based upon
the number of mosquitoes landing on a person's clothing in a given time interval
(landing rate) rather than those actually in biting position. This is more practical when
populations of mosquitoes are very high and is useful for a rapid check of mosquito
abundance before and after control work has been accomplished.
MD0170
3-9