This is the most simple and direct method used to determine which vector species in a region is feeding on humans. Relative abundance, host preference, place and time of biting, and species are estimated. Mosquitoes are vacuumed into a container when they land. Success of mosquito control measures can be evaluated by comparing biting counts before and after application of mosquito control measures. A landing count survey is done to rapidly assess mosquito biting activity and abundance when populations are high.
Daytime inspections are useful for some anopheline mosquitoes.
They rest in cool, dark, humid places protected from the wind during the day. From these sites, they are vacuumed into a container and provide a representative sample of the population. Any mosquitoes resting overhead will be killed, and can be collected from the sheets and identified. For best results, the technique should be used during midmorning hours. Light traps are the most widely used method to sample adult mosquito populations.