Mosquito Traps

Mosquito traps are generally used to reduce the population of mosquitoes around a house. They do not eliminate mosquitoes entirely, and nor do they work over a large area. The effectiveness of a trap is dependent on the species of mosquito and the degree to which the trap is more attractive than alternative food sources and breeding areas.

Before using a trap, it is generally best to first try to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, such as standing water in drains, buckets, guttering, bird baths, puddles and poorly drained soil. Gutters and saucers under flower pots are frequently overlooked breeding grounds. Check around faucets and air conditioners to ensure that no puddles are forming. Adult mosquitoes prefer to rest on leaves and other vegetation. Leaf litter in gardens should be replaced with well drained mulch, and grass kept well mown.

A mosquito trap generally consists of two components: an attractant, and the trap itself. The attractant is either a plume of carbon dioxide (for example from burning propane), or a mixture of sugary scents, lactic acid and octenol, together with warmth and moisture. The trap typically consists of a fan which blows the mosquitoes into a net, sticky surface or electrified grid. Mosquitoes are attracted to the trap, and then cannot escape.

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