What is the basic surveillance tool used to assess mosquito larvae?

• A. Net
• B. Dipper
• C. Bucket
• D. Filter

Answer: (B)

The basic surveillance tool for assessing mosquito larvae is the dipper. It’s a small, ladle-like device used to scoop a known volume of water from various habitats—ponds, tires, containers, or other standing water where larvae may develop. By taking multiple dips from different sites and inspecting the contents for larvae, you get a quick, standardized way to gauge presence and density of larvae, which helps identify breeding locations and the scale of control needed.

A net is typically used to catch flying adults or surface-dwelling organisms, not for standard larval sampling. A bucket can hold water but does not provide a standardized sampling method or volume. A filter isn’t used for routine field larval surveillance.