Makungu et al. Malar J (2017) 16:410 DOI 10.1186/s12936-017-2056-9 RESEARCH Informing new or improved vector control tools for reducing the malaria burden in Tanzania: a qualitative exploration of perceptions of mosquitoes and methods for their control among the residents of Dar es Salaam Christina Makungu 1* , Stephania Stephen 1 , Salome Kumburu 1 , Nicodem J. Govella 1 , Stefan Dongus 1,2,3,4 , Zoe Jane‑Lara Hildon 1,6,7 , Gerry F. Killeen 1,2 and Caroline Jones 5,6 Abstract Background: The effectiveness of malaria prevention with long‑lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying is limited by emerging insecticide resistance, evasive mosquito behaviours that include outdoor biting, sub‑optimal implementation and inappropriate use. New vector control interventions are required and their potential effective‑ ness will be enhanced if existing household perceptions and practices are integrated into intervention design. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study used focus groups discussions, in‑depth interviews and photovoice methods to explore mosquito control perceptions and practices among residents in four study sites in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Results: Mosquitoes were perceived as a growing problem, directly attributed to widespread environmental dete‑ rioration and lack of effective mosquito control interventions. Malaria and nuisance biting were perceived as the main problem caused by mosquitoes. Breeding sites were clearly distinguished from resting sites but residents did not differentiate between habitats producing malaria vector mosquitoes and others producing mostly nuisance mosqui‑ toes. The most frequently mentioned protection methods in the wealthiest locations were bed nets, aerosol insecti‑ cide sprays, window screens, and fumigation, while bed nets were most frequently mentioned and described as ‘part of the culture’ in the least wealthy locations. Mosquito‑proofed housing was consistently viewed as desirable, but considered unaffordable outside wealthiest locations. Slapping and covering up with clothing were most commonly used to prevent biting outdoors. Despite their utility outdoors, topical repellents applied to the skin were consid‑ ered expensive, and viewed with suspicion due to perceived side effects. Improving the local environment was the preferred method for preventing outdoor biting. Affordability, effectiveness, availability, practicality, as well as social influences, such as government recommendations, socialization and internalization (familiarization and habit) were described as key factors influencing uptake. © The Author(s) 2017. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/ publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated. Open Access Malaria Journal *Correspondence: cmakungu@ihi.or.tz 1 Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Kiko Avenue, Mikocheni, PO Box 78373, Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania Full list of author information is available at the end of the article