Table of Contents
Many types of carbon dioxide-baited mosquito traps have entered the market in the past decade. Carbon dioxide (CO2) surrounds us everywhere, we and many other animals breathe it out.
Mosquitoes have used this to their advantage. They are attracted to the carbon monoxide we exhale because it alerts them that we are a source of blood.
So, do carbon dioxide mosquito traps work? If you want to get rid of your mosquito problem but don’t want to overload your body or garden with pesticide products, a carbon dioxide mosquito trap is very attractive.
Let’s take a look at what carbon dioxide (CO2) traps are supposed to do and if they work.
What Are Carbon Dioxide Mosquito Traps?
Unlike a bug killer, a carbon dioxide mosquito trap is a device you can place in your yard that claims to help control, reduce, or eliminate mosquitoes. These traps work by mimicking human or animal breath by releasing carbon dioxide gas.
This, along with lights, a heat source, and an insect attractant will help attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are attracted to it as a potential source of blood.
Newly mated female mosquitoes in particular are desperate for blood, as they need it to produce their eggs. When mosquitoes get into the trap, they can’t get out.
Depending on the mosquito trap model, they are either sucked into a vacuum cleaner or trapped on a sticky surface. In any case, the purpose of these traps is to control the mosquito population by killing newly mated females before they have a chance to lay eggs.
Different Types Of Co2 Mosquito Traps
A quick Google search will reveal many different types of these devices. Popular brands include Blue Rhino, Skeeter Vac, Mosquito Magnet, Dynatrap, and Flowtron. But the same search also reveals a wide range of opinions on whether they work.
But before you get too overwhelmed, let’s look at the two main options.
1. Propane CO2 Mosquito Traps
The first option is a propane mosquito trap. These CO2 traps often use a combination of light, heat, CO2, and a mosquito attractant (like octanol or another type) to attract mosquitoes. These traps also use propane or a battery as a power source, although some are wired. Wireless propane CO2 traps are fully self-contained and portable.
2. Non-Propane CO2 Mosquito Traps
If you prefer not to use a full propane tank for your mosquito trap, there are other non-propane options. Most of these options are electric and require cords, so you’ll need to stay within reach of an outlet.
However, many owners prefer these models over propane tank models because there is no heavy tank to replace and no fuel line to service.
These traps use a mosquito attractant, heat, and light (usually) along with CO2. The only change required is to empty the catch basket and periodically swap out the bait and bulb.
On average, electronic devices cost between $40 and $150. Larger propane models can range from $200 to $800 or more. Maintenance fee of approximately $50 per month.
Do CO2 Traps Catch Mosquitoes?
These devices will capture and kill a measurable number of mosquitoes. But other factors influence whether the devices reduce the number of mosquitoes including Individual tolerance, mosquito population size, proximity, and type of breeding habitat causing reinfestation
In other words, mosquito traps help reduce the mosquito population, but you may still need to use insect repellent, and getting rid of the mosquitoes at home is a must.
Finding natural repellents for your garden can also provide additional protection. Conlon warns homeowners, “Be careful not to over-rely on traps as your only means of control.
These traps represent an evolving technology that is a very welcome addition to our mosquito control weapons. Their potential is great, but should not be overestimated.
A combination of techniques that kill adult mosquitoes and prevent the development of larvae will provide homeowners with optimal results.
More Like This:
Other Factors Affecting Effective Mosquito Killing
The commercialization of new devices to attract, trap or kill mosquitoes has generated a lot of interest from consumers. The general idea is to reduce the number of mosquitoes that would otherwise affect the homeowner.
With currently 174 mosquito species present in the United States States are recognizing this is no small problem and it will be many years before research can provide any clarification. There is anecdotal evidence that baited traps catch more females in some species than others.
There could be seasonal and circadian variables that affect mosquito response to certain attractants. In addition to potential variations by mosquito type and time of year, you need to care for them.
These are not set-and-forget devices, each requires some level of maintenance. Replacing octanol cartridges results in lower than desired control levels.
Where Should You Place The Trap?
Location can mean the difference between catching 10 mosquitoes and catching 100. Place traps in areas where mosquitoes are likely to be present. This includes areas with shade, water, damp soil, or tall grass.
Mosquitoes need a source of water to lay their eggs, so setting a trap where they’re likely to be (near-standing water) is a surefire way to attract some of these biting bugs. Place traps in areas without much foot traffic.
Indoor traps should be placed in damp areas of the home, such as B. in a garage or in areas where you notice more mosquitoes.
What Are The Best Mosquito Traps?
The CO2 mosquito trap may not be the ultimate mosquito killer, but it can offer some relief. The best devices use various attractants such as octanol, and LED lights, and serviceability is key.
For DIY options, you can find different types of traps on Amazon and other online or brick-and-mortar retailers. The most common DIY traps are CO2 fan traps and LED traps.
These can give you protection without having to spend a lot of money on new gear. Both traps can be used as an alternative to pesticides and are relatively easy to set up.
Alternatively, there are pest control services that offer buckets. The in2care device uses an attractant that targets female mosquitoes in addition to a specific fungus. Therefore, it attacks the problem from several different angles.
How To Make A Co2 Mosquito Trap?
If you’re hesitant about buying a CO2 mosquito trap, you might be interested in building your own using some simple tools.
Fans that stand on the floor work best for this DIY project piece that’s big enough to fit over the back of your fan. For most small indoor traps, a bottle of carbonated water can work to attract mosquitoes.
Use a box or container to keep the trap inside so it is in a controlled environment. You should Mix isopropyl alcohol with water (2 to 1 ratio).
Use a white paper towel to use Detecting Mosquitoes. Once you have the supplies, all you have to do is craft the trap.
On average, it takes about four weeks before you notice a reduction in the number of mosquitoes in your garden. This is because it takes time to break the breeding cycle of these pesky insects.
However, once it is turned on, mosquitoes will be attracted to the trap and you will start seeing mosquitoes in the trap. After a few hours, look for bodies.
Most people opt for UV light traps and CO2 traps for those pesky indoor mosquitoes, but it all comes down to personal preference. Others use plants or herbs like citronella that naturally repel mosquitoes and other insects.
What Is The Most Effective Mosquito Control?
The most effective mosquito control is to use a combination of these five methods: skin repellants, garden cleaning, larvicides, adulticides, and mosquito repellents.
Skin Repellents are the typical mosquito repellent sprays you can find in stores or online. Garden cleaning: This refers to making your garden as unattractive to mosquitoes as possible. This often includes cleaning up leaves, fallen branches, and compost heaps.
Removing stagnant water is probably the most important thing, as mosquitoes use stagnant water as a nesting site for their larvae. Larvicides work to kill larvae before they can reach adulthood.
Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies Israelis, or Bti, is a popular larvicide that you can place in rain barrels, ditches, or bird baths to prevent larvae from developing in those areas. Bti is safe for pets, humans, bees, and the environment when used as directed.
When pest control services spray properties for mosquitoes, they use adulticides. Common methods include barrier spraying or misting to kill adult mosquitoes in the area.
Carbon dioxide traps fall under the category of repelling devices. These are devices that repel or attract and kill mosquitoes. These devices are available for purchase and require some maintenance to continuously monitor the mosquito population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Co2 Mosquito Traps Be Used Indoors?
Do not use carbon dioxide (CO2) based mosquito traps indoors. They are strictly designed to repel them in the open air. they are better when there are fewer people around.
Are Mosquito Traps Worth It?
Mosquito traps are considered an effective means of controlling active mosquito populations. Advancing technology has helped increase the effectiveness of mosquito traps, which work by attracting and capturing female mosquitoes.
How Far Can Mosquitoes Smell Carbon?
First, a mosquito can sense exhaled carbon dioxide from more than 30 feet away. The mosquito follows this scent and when it gets very close, it begins to sense body heat.
Are Mosquitoes Attracted To Carbon Dioxide?
Female mosquitoes have nerve cells called CPA neurons that have a receptor for detecting carbon dioxide. This allows them to feel the pillars. the air we exhale. But mosquitoes are attracted to human skin even without carbon dioxide.
Where Is The Best Place To Put A Mosquito Trap?
For best results, it is recommended that you place each trap a minimum of 20 to 40 feet from where people sit or stand and ideally place them near areas where you have noticed signs of insect activity.
Final Thoughts
Carbon dioxide mosquito traps may not eliminate the mosquito population, but they are worth considering as part of your mosquito control efforts.
Up to this point, mosquito traps and other natural remedies have not been as effective at killing mosquitoes as synthetic pesticides. To naturally reduce mosquitoes in your garden, investing in a mosquito trap could help.
Remember that it takes time and ongoing maintenance to produce results. Best used in conjunction with other environmentally friendly pest control methods.
Whether you are looking for industrial chemical fumigation or environmental control, the professionals can help. For further lawn and pest problems, contact a local pest controller to enjoy mosquito-free gatherings again.