Adult mosquitoes can be monitored in two ways. Both methods sample the population of female mosquitoes in the area. Trapped adults are classified, counted and analyzed for the presence of disease pathogens. A count is taken of the number of mosquitoes that land on the surveyor within a specified time period. Landing counts of 20 mosquitoes per minute may indicate a severe mosquito problem.
Larval counts are good indicators of future populations of adult mosquitoes.
Several methods are available to sample the eggs of various species of mosquitoes. Eggs are reared into adults mosquitoes to obtain information on the species present in an area. Adults may be tested for the presence of disease pathogens.