Abstract:
In this study we tested an alternative method for collecting mosquito larvae
called the sweep net catch method and compared its efficiency to that of the
traditional dip method. The two methods were compared in various water
bodies within Kruger National Park and Lapalala Wilderness area, South Africa.
The sweep net catch method performed 5 times better in the collection of
Anopheles larvae and equally as well as the dip method in the collection of
Culex larvae (p =8.58 x 10 ). Based on 15 replicates the collector’s experience
level did not play a significant role in the relative numbers of larvae collected
using either method. This simple and effective sweep net catch method will
greatly improve the mosquito larval sampling capacity in the field setting.
