EcoHealth Vector Education

Now that you have cleared your yard of baby mosquitoes, it is time to lure the remaining female mosquitoes into your trap and capture their eggs. Once you receive all the parts to your trap, assemble it and place the trap in a prime location for mosquitoes. At the end of each week, submit your photos to us and reset the trap with a new oviposition paper and fresh water.  Be sure to reset the trap weekly, or those eggs can too become flying adults.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Question: How do I find my agent number? 

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Your agent number is written on the trap and on your Ziploc bag. You will use

your unique agent number for every submission.

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Question: How do I set up my trap?

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

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Question: Where do I place my trap?

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

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Question: The water level is low. Should I refill it?

No. Mosquitoes will detect the water residue and will continue to lay their eggs

in the cup. Only refill when you re-set your trap with a new oviposition paper.

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

Check your email for an expected delivery date. If more than 2 days have passed

since your expected delivery date, email us at Ecohealth@sgvmosquito.org.

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Question: What if my trap kit is incomplete?

Your kit should include:

(1) Trap cup,

(1) Spike,

(5) Sheets of oviposition paper,

(1) Ziploc bag,

(1) Pencil,

(1) Calendar Sheet

If your trap is missing a Ziploc bag, you can use a plastic bag that can be zipped and can fit the 4 oviposition 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 oviposition paper, email us at Ecohealth@sgvmosquito.org.

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

The spike is recommended but not required. Watch this video for trap set-up directions. If the trap is being placed on concrete, dense soil, or another impenetrable surface, store the spike in the bag with the rest of the kit until it is returned with the cup and used papers at the end of the project. Spikes are recommended because they protect the trap from being knocked over by a gardener or by animals.

 

Question: What if I can’t place my trap at my home?

If you have no outdoor space such as a front or back porch, balcony or any common area where the trap can be placed that is not in danger of being removed or knocked over, you can ask for a waiver to clear and monitor a different address. See your welcome email for the linked marked "Waiver to Trap Alternate Address" or click this link. The alternate site you select must meet the following: 

• It must be an address you can access weekly for the duration of the trapping. 

• You must have the permission of your parents AND the people who live at the address you will be monitoring. 

• You must have access to the trap on a specific day, weekly, until the project is over. 

• You must be able to clear the property of all other stagnant water. 

The waiver will ask for the address and other pertinent information of the people who live at the address you will be clearing and monitoring for mosquitoes. For a video summary, click here. 

 

Question: What if my trap is damaged?

If your trap is damaged during a trapping week, it’s okay! Science is messy and accidents happen. The important thing is to report it! Please describe the damage in your weekly photo submission form. We will contact you to replace the trap.

 

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: Where do I submit my photos?

Please submit your photos weekly on this link. You can also find the submission form in your weekly emails.

 

Question: What if I can't submit my photos?

If your photos are not uploading, it may be due to connectivity issues or the file(s) being too large. Check your WiFi connection. If the files are not loading, check the file size. Please note, the form is limited to 5 photos but you are only required to submit 1-2 clear photos weekly.

 

Question: How do I send back my trap?

Trap kits must be returned to the district at the end of the project. You will receive an email with return instructions near the end of the project. If your trapping weeks have ended and you have not received an email, please email us at Ecohealth@sgvmosquito.org.

 

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

We are sad to see you go. Please send us an email at Ecohealth@sgvmosquito.org and we 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 trap in the same yard/place as my trap?

Yes, more than one person can trap from the same address. For full credit, each person must use their unique agent number. Watch this video for trap set up instructions.