Mosquito Habitat Mapper
How to Help Scientists Collect Data?
Step 1
Visit SciStarter.org/library and select this kit for an online version of these instructions, how-to videos, and other resources. This is also where you can create your free SciStarter account (optional) if you haven’t already. SciStarter is an online citizen science hub connecting millions of people from all walks of life to thousands of opportunities to participate in citizen science.
Step 2
Download the “GLOBE Observer” app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Create and account and link your SciStarter and GLOBE Observer accounts on your smartphone by going to the GLOBE app settings. Scroll down and click on the “Connect to SciStarter” button.
Step 3
Make sure your smartphone or tablet is fully charged.
Step 4
Find a potential mosquito habitat created by human activity or near where people live. Look for buckets or old tires with standing water, for example, or follow the instructions to build an artificial mosquito trap: Scistarter.org/go/mosquito-trap.
Step 5
Open the app and follow the instructions. You’ll verify the location, date, and time of your observation and identify the type of habitat you’re observing.
Step 6
Photograph the site and the surrounding area. Are mosquito larvae visible in the water source? If there are no larvae, skip identification, but enter additional comments about the habitat. If you find larvae, use the small cup or container, bulb syringe, and plastic tray to collect larvae samples to take closer-up photographs of individual larvae. You may use the digital microscope included in the kit to take an even more close-up image! Follow the instructions for your specific microscope
Step 7
When possible, pour out any standing water you find in items to eliminate the habitat and help protect your community. Be sure to clean and dry the tray and collection container before returning to the bin.
Useful Tip
If you prefer to submit your observation data anonymously without creating a GLOBE account, go to the Observation Anonymous page and select GLOBE Observer: Mosquito Habitat Mapper to access the webform. Complete all fields on the form and select Submit.
- Don’t have a smartphone or tablet? Follow these steps to participate in this project.
Why Do Scientists Study Mosquito Habitats?
Invasive mosquito species are spreading rapidly across Illinois with the potential to transmit viruses that cause serious diseases such as West Nile virus, dengue, and Zika. Surveillance and breeding site mitigation are key to preventing mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.
What's in the Kit?
Mosquito trap supplies
- 1 turkey baster
- 1 plastic container with lid
- 1 white tray
- 1 clip-on cellphone magnifier
- 1 instructions packet
