The more I looked at the information from the questionnaire the only thing of uniformity that came out of it was how non-uniform we are as mosquito control agencies. The following guidelines are presented to eliminate variation when we conduct our landing rates and bite counts. We suggest that they be taken over either a I or 5 min. period. If the landing rates exceed 50 in 30 sec., the interval can be shortened to protect observers that are expected to conduct numerous counts. Landing rates may involve speciation, if desired, but they are normally employed in areas where a single, known species is the sole cause of annoyance.
Bite counts are most useful in areas where the biting populations consist of mixed species.
Mosquitoes are more easily seen on a solid vs. patterned background. Maintain a consistent clothing color among the counters within a county to keep the results comparable. Mosquitoes do exhibit color preferences and wide variation in the background color of the clothing could cause variation within the data set. No repellents, after-shaves or perfumes should be used. Take all landing rate and bite counts from a standing position.