The most critical element in using light traps to guide day to day operations is the speed and accuracy of mosquito identification. For this information to be most useful, the specimens should, be identified within 24 hrs of collection. When trap collections are exceptionally high, the entire sample need not be identified. ObviousIy, accuracy in identification is critical to help determine the source of the mosquitoes and an appropriate control strategy. Be aware that the males in the collection may give you useful information.
Some counties routinely identify and count the male mosquitoes.
In some species, males can be a reliable indicator for the later emergence of females. When using data on male mosquitoes keep in mind that the factors which create variability in female mosquito behavior quite often influence males of the same species differently. Some agencies use timers and others use electric eyes to operate their light traps. While there has been no significant difference shown on their effect on light trap collections, traps will run at different times depending on which device is used. For consistency, it is suggested that agencies use either all timers or all electric eyes.