What is a common method of mosquito surveillance?

Using traps to capture and identify species is a widely recognized method of mosquito surveillance. This approach allows vector control technicians to obtain concrete data about mosquito populations, their species composition, and the prevalence of specific types of mosquitoes in a given area. Traps can be designed to attract different species using various lures, such as carbon dioxide or specific scents, making it possible to gather precise information about their distribution and abundance. This data is crucial for assessing the risk of disease transmission and implementing effective control measures.

While visual counting of mosquitoes provides some information, it is often less accurate and reliable compared to data obtained through trapping. Public reports of mosquito sightings can be useful for gauging public concern and awareness but lack the systematic approach needed for thorough surveillance. Drones may offer innovative observational capabilities, but their use in mosquito surveillance is not as established as trapping techniques, which have been used effectively for many years in vector control programs.