Community science for mosquito surveillance in Canada: a toolkit for program design and implementation

Climate change in Canada has expanded suitable habitats for both native and invasive mosquitoes, heightening the need for more robust and adaptable surveillance systems. Traditional surveillance methods face significant logistical and geographical challenges, particularly in remote or underserved areas, emphasizing the importance of innovative strategies that complement existing approaches.

We developed a community-based mosquito surveillance toolkit, informed by a systematic review and validated by a multidisciplinary expert group. The toolkit includes a structured guide for developing a community science project, including how to design an effective mosquito surveillance program through data collection, volunteer engagement, and evaluation. It also features a quick reference guide and a 90-s animated video to facilitate understanding and engagement.

The toolkit was introduced at a national community meeting, with 69 participants bringing together public health professionals, educators, scientists, and community leaders from across Canada in February 2025. Participants expressed enthusiasm for using the toolkit to enhance local monitoring efforts, and discussions at the meeting helped identify key opportunities and challenges for adoption.

Organizations and public health authorities now have a clear, evidence-based guide to designing, implementing, and evaluating community-driven initiatives. This toolkit not only helps ensure that volunteer participation is meaningful and effective, but it also enhances the capacity to respond to emerging challenges in vector control, laying the groundwork for sustainable, community-driven surveillance efforts.