G.R.I.D. Step 2

A girl wearing a blue lab coat, green shoes, and pink pants, holds a magnifying glass while she looks for trapped water and evidence of mosquitoes.

Step 2: Collect Sample & Prep Yard

Deadline: Check With Your Teacher

Hello Mosquito G.R.I.D. Agent,

Your parent/guardian has submitted the signed permission form.
Here is what you need to do next:

Watch "Step 2: Collect Sample & Prep Yard." Before going outside, apply repellent or take other bite prevention measures.

Part 1: Collect Water Sample (If assigned by teacher)

Use the water sample kit (Resealable bag with clear, sample cup, lid, and dropper) to collect a sample from any trapped water you might find. You must do this BEFORE you dump out any water you find. Didn’t find water? You don’t need to submit a sample but remember to return the unused kit!

A boy in a green lab coat carries a stack of flower pots to a store them in a dry place where they won't collect water and grow mosquitoes.

Part 2: Clear the Area Around Your Home

Tip out any trapped water remaining in containers onto the ground.

Remove potential water-holding items. Why? Since items that catch and hold water, whether they are wet or dry, attract egg-lying female mosquitoes, those items will compete with your egg cup. It's important to remove as many items as possible from around your home. Safely store, recycle, or toss out any unused containers that might trap and hold water (even if they are currently dry). Ask for help from a family member if you can’t get rid of the water by yourself!

 

Part 3: Bring Water Sample Back to School on Assigned Date
(If assigned by teacher)

An illustration of a microscope like the equipment students will use in their classrooms to analyze water samples and egg papers. .

Bring water sample back to school on or before scheduled school lab day.

NO WATER FOUND? Congratulations! Important: Return the unused water sample kit when you return your G.R.I.D. kit at the end of the project.

Results

See what agents are finding in their water samples.

View Results

Questions? See G.R.I.D. FAQs for answers on each step.
Run into any other issues? Talk to your teacher right away!

Thanks!

Agent Hagele and Agent Luna