Mosquitoes of all ages may be living in your yard.

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STEP 2: Collect Sample & Prep your Yard

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If you received a water sampling kit, containing a small, clear sample cup with a lid and a dropper inside a resealable bag, take samples of any water you might find trapped in containers around your home and send them to us for analysis.

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To collect a water sample, use the dropper to transfer a sample of any trapped (stagnant) water you find into the clear sample cup provided. Be sure to leave some space for air! Snap the lid on firmly and place the cup with the sample into the resealable bag. Seal tightly! Place the sample in a location where you'll remember to take it to school. Return your bag with the sample cup, to the specially marked return bin at school. We will analyze your water sample and report to you what we find. Please return your water sample by the deadline. 

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Now, clear your yard of sources- items that can hold trapped (stagnant) water. These sources may have mosquito eggs around the edges of the water or on the surface of the water and may be growing baby mosquitoes. Eliminate these sources to be sure that female mosquitoes lay eggs in the lure and not in other items ideal for mosquito growth.

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STEP 3: Place Lure

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Choose a location for your detection lure that is cool and sheltered from the wind.  It's important to pick a safe location where it won't be tipped over. Use that location for the whole program.

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To label your egg papers you'll need the agent number written on your bag and your lure. On the right hand, clipped corner, write down your agent number and the first luring date underneath. On the second paper, use the same process, but write the second luring date. The date on the paper is when you will fill and place your lure. On the date assigned to start Week One of detection, you'll use the egg paper with the current date. Roll it with the date and the line on the inside and place it into the lure. With the paper in place, slowly fill the lure with water while turning. This will keep the paper from lifting up.  You want to keep the top edge of the paper at or below the rim of the lure. Fill it until the water reaches the line drawn on the paper. Place your lure in the spot you have picked out and leave it there for the whole week.

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Check the lure regularly to make sure it hasn't been tipped over.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Question: What needs to be cleaned or removed from my yard?

​Watch this video for items to look for and either toss out or store away.

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Question: How do I find my agent number? 

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Your agent number is written on the lure and on your resealable bag. You will use

your unique agent number for every submission.

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Question: How do I set up my lure?

​Watch this video for a step-by-step guide to set up the lure.

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Question: Where do I place my lure?

​ To identify the best place for a lure, watch this video.

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Question:  What if I haven’t received my lure kit?

Check with your teacher for your luring kit. If you did not submit your parent permission

or pre-assessment, you will not receive a kit.

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Question: What if my lure kit is incomplete?

Your kit should include:

(1) Lure cup,

(1) Spike,

(3) Sheets of egg paper,

(1) Resealable bag,

(1) Pencil,

(1) Checklist and Calendar Sheet

If your lure is missing a resealable bag, you can use a plastic bag that can be zipped and can fit the egg papers once folded. If you are missing a pencil, you can use a #2 pencil or any graphite pencil you have at home. Please do not use a marker or pen because these can bleed.  If you are missing either the cup, spike, or the sheets of paper, let your teacher know immediately.

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Question: What if I can’t use the spike?

If placing the lure on soft dirt, use the spike. If the surface is hard, don't use the spike. If you are not using the spike, make sure the lure is sitting on a flat surface, if you're not using the spike so it won't tip over. Save the unused spike and return it with the lure at the end of the project. With the area clear of water and containers, female Aedes have only one place to lay their eggs - your detection lure!

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Question: What if my lure is damaged?

If your lure is damaged during a luring week, it’s okay! Science is messy and accidents happen. The important thing is to report it! Please let your teacher know as soon as possible.

 

Question: What if I could not collect data this week?

If something unexpected occurred and you could not collect data during one the data collection weeks, please provide a brief note in your weekly photo submission form and do not submit any photos.

 

Question: How do I send back my lure?

Kits must be returned at the end of the project. You will return your kit to your teacher. Turn in the entire kit to the return bin by the date on your calendar.

 

Question: What if I cannot continue participating in Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D.?

We are sad to see you go. Please inform your teacher. They will provide you with instructions for returning your materials.

 

Question: I have a (sibling, cousin, friend) that lives with me who is doing the same project. Can they set a lure in the same yard/place as my lure?

Yes, more than one person can lure from the same address. For full credit, each person must use their unique agent number.