Essentially, the trap consists of an animal lure that is restrained to a stake or in a small pen. The mesh tent retains any host-seeking mosquitoes that approach the human bait, which can then be collected. Animal baited traps can be constructed from various materials. Ensure that the outer mesh tent is large enough to fit the animal comfortably (it is suggested that the length X width X height size of tents is approximately 2 X 3 X 2 meters).
The trap is operated with the assistance of the owner of the animal, who usually cares for the animal throughout the duration of the sampling period.
Location of the sampling stations
1.The site where the human-baited tent trap will be deployed must have enough flat open ground space to set up the mesh tent and to walk around the tent before, during and after mosquito collections.
2.Select a spot with low vegetation which is at least 0.5 meter longer and wider than the mesh tent; for the advised tent size that means an open space of at least 2.5 meters long and 3.5 meters wide.
3.Whenever possible, avoid clearing vegetation to set up the tent.
4. The location of sampling is always negotiated with the owner of the property. Ensure that the owner is happy with the location of where sampling will be conducted.
Silver, J.B. (2008) ‘Mosquito ecology: field sampling methods.’ 3rd edition; Springer: New York