The purpose of this SOP is to outline the materials and processes required to perform a human landing catch (HLC) of adult mosquitoes.
Description: HLC consists of collectors catching any mosquitoes that are attracted to them. Kerr (1933) working in West Africa was largely responsible for developing the HLC method, with has been widely used and is considered the gold standard method.
Target species and physiological states: Captures host-seeking females of many species.
Entomological surveillance indicators: Adult vector occurrence and density as well as adult vector behaviour (human biting rate, biting time, biting location).
Advantage: Is one of the only tools that can effectively estimate human biting rate, biting times and location. The equipment and supplies are inexpensive and portable.
Disadvantage: This method is labour intensive. There is a risk that field staff may become infected with mosquito-borne diseases. To mitigate the risk of malaria anti-malarial prophylaxis is provided; regarding arboviruses, HLC should not be done during times of known arbovirus transmission. Results depend on the collectors’ skill and on the attraction a person exerts on mosquitoes.
Sample period: Catches are performed hourly across a 12 h or 24 h period, usually overnight.
Data: Total number of host-seeking females per sampling effort (by species). When necessary, field data is merged with the results of subsequent laboratory analyses.