Culiseta melanura Surveillance Method

Surveillance methods are used to understand local mosquito populations. Surveillance techniques should be targeted at mosquito species that can transmit disease to people. Active surveillance needs to be utlized to identify and control Culiseta melanura mosquitoes.

Active surveillance uses multiple techniques such as trapping mosquitoes, counting trapped mosquitoes to obtain population counts, testing trapped mosquitoes for disease, identification of potential breeding sources. When trapping adult mosquitoes, it is important to identify the species of concern to reduce costs of testing. CDC light traps and resting box traps are used to mange Cs. melanura. Trap placement should start with traps being placed evenly throughout the geographic location. This will help to identify areas with higher mosquito activity and where subsequent control efforts should be focused.

Photos courtesy of CDC
Additional Links:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/dvbd/pdf/arboguid_508.pdf