DA Form 8011-R: Mosquito Surveillance Light Trap PDF

DA Form 8011-R: Mosquito Surveillance Light Trap PDF – Mosquito surveillance is a critical component of the U.S. Army’s preventive medicine and integrated pest management programs. DA Form 8011-R, titled Mosquito Surveillance Light Trap Collections (LRA), is the official document used by Army personnel to record adult mosquito collections from light traps. This form helps track mosquito populations, identify disease vectors, and support timely control measures to protect service members, families, and installations from vector-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and other threats prevalent across the United States.

Whether you’re a preventive medicine technician, entomologist, or public health officer at a U.S. Army installation, understanding and properly using DA Form 8011-R ensures accurate data collection and compliance with Army regulations. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly what the form is, its purpose, how to fill it out step by step, why it matters for mission readiness, and where to download the latest fillable PDF.

What Is DA Form 8011-R?

DA Form 8011-R (December 1991) is a locally reproducible (LRA) Army form specifically designed for recording data from mosquito light trap collections. It is authorized for local reproduction and is still actively used across U.S. Army installations.

  • Full Title: Mosquito Surveillance Light Trap Collections (LRA)
  • Proponent Agency: Office of The Surgeon General (OTSG)
  • Prescribed By: TB MED 561, Occupational and Environmental Health – Pest Surveillance (1 June 1992)
  • Related Forms: Often used alongside DA Form 8010-R (Mosquito Collection Site Information) and DA Form 8022-R for broader entomological surveillance.

The form captures essential field data including trap setup, collection results, weather conditions, species identification, and any associated pesticide treatments. This standardized record-keeping supports trend analysis and informs vector control decisions at the installation level.

Why Mosquito Surveillance Matters in the U.S. Army?

U.S. military installations face constant mosquito pressure, especially in humid regions like the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and parts of the Midwest and West. Light traps (commonly CDC miniature light traps) are a primary tool for adult mosquito surveillance because they attract and capture host-seeking females—the primary disease vectors.

Accurate records on DA Form 8011-R enable:

  • Early detection of population spikes
  • Identification of key species (e.g., Aedes, Culex, Anopheles)
  • Assessment of control program effectiveness
  • Protection of troop readiness and public health on base

Data from these forms feed into broader Army Public Health Command (APHC) programs, helping prevent outbreaks that could impact training, deployments, and family housing.

How to Fill Out DA Form 8011-R – Step-by-Step Instructions?

The form is a single-page, tabular document. Complete it in the field or immediately after collection for accuracy. Here’s a breakdown of every section based on the official form layout:

  1. DATE TRAP(S) SET – Enter the date the light trap(s) were deployed.
  2. DATE SPECIMENS COLLECTED – Record the date the trap contents were retrieved.
  3. COLLECTOR – Print the name of the person who set and/or collected the trap.
  4. HIGH – Record the high temperature (in °F or °C) for the collection period.
  5. TRAP NUMBER – Assign or record the unique trap identifier (e.g., Trap #5, Site A-3).
  6. SET (Table):
    • MALES (a) – Number of male mosquitoes collected.
    • FEMALES (b) – Number of female mosquitoes collected.
    • NIGHTS (c) – Number of nights the trap operated.
    • FEMALES/NIGHT (d) – Calculated average females per night (key metric for population density).
  7. WIND DIRECTION (e) – Note prevailing wind direction (e.g., NW, S).
  8. SPECIMENS SENT TO USAEHA FOR ID – Check if samples were forwarded to the U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Agency (now part of APHC) for identification. 9–10. DATE / SPECIES – For each identified species, record the date and species name (use standard entomological nomenclature).
  9. METHOD OF APPLICATION – If treatment occurred, note the pesticide application method (e.g., ULV, thermal fog).
  10. AREA(S) TREATED – Describe the treated location(s).

Additional Sections:

  • Weather Data: Low temperature, rainfall (inches), wind speed (mph or kph).
  • Pesticide Treatment Data: Pesticide name, application rate.
  • COMMENTS: Any additional observations (e.g., trap malfunction, unusual species, environmental notes).

Pro Tip: Always reference TB MED 561 for detailed surveillance protocols. Use pencil or waterproof ink for field use, and maintain copies per local records retention policies.

Where to Download DA Form 8011-R? (Official Fillable PDF)

The most current official version is available directly from the U.S. Army Publishing Directorate:

→ Download DA Form 8011-R PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A8011_R.pdf

The form is fillable in Adobe Acrobat and locally reproducible. Always verify you are on the official armypubs.army.mil domain when downloading Army forms.

Best Practices for Mosquito Light Trap Surveillance

  • Place traps 5–6 feet off the ground in representative habitats.
  • Run traps from dusk to dawn (typically set late afternoon, collect early morning).
  • Use dry ice or octenol as attractants when permitted.
  • Coordinate with installation entomology or preventive medicine services for species confirmation and pathogen testing.
  • Enter data promptly into digital systems or spreadsheets used by APHC for trend tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is required to use DA Form 8011-R?
A: Preventive medicine, entomology, and pest control personnel at U.S. Army installations conducting vector surveillance.

Q: Is the form still current in 2026?
A: Yes. The December 1991 version remains the authorized form and continues to be referenced by Army Public Health Command entomology services.

Q: What does “LRA” mean?
A: Locally Reproducible Authorized – units may print or copy the form as needed.

Q: Where can I find instructions?
A: Primary guidance is in TB MED 561, Occupational and Environmental Health – Pest Surveillance.

Q: Are there electronic versions or alternatives?
A: Many installations now use digital spreadsheets or APHC-provided tools alongside the paper form for efficiency.

Protect Readiness with Proper Mosquito Surveillance

Accurate use of DA Form 8011-R is more than paperwork—it’s a frontline defense against mosquito-borne diseases that can degrade readiness and impact military families across the United States. By documenting light trap collections consistently, Army public health teams can make data-driven decisions that save time, reduce pesticide use, and protect our forces.

Need the form right now?
Download Official DA Form 8011-R PDF

For additional resources, visit the Army Public Health Command Entomology page or contact your local preventive medicine service. Stay vigilant, document thoroughly, and keep mosquito populations under control.