How Mosquito Traps and Mosquito Repellents Work- Mosquito Central

Mosquito Traps

How do mosquito traps attract and kill mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes are first attracted to a trap by smell. They can smell CO2 around 100 feet from a trap and start to fly towards the source. Next Octenol and Lactic Acid start to be perceived around 50 feet. As the insect continues toward the source, the color, lights and apparent movement in some mosquito traps add more attractants. Mosquitoes can only see about 30 feet.

Finally, as they get within around 3 feet, the mosquitoes sense the heat and moisture from the CO2 release (if present) and fly into (or under the Mosquito Magnets) the mosquito trap, where they are blown by a fan into a container from which they cannot escape, making these mosquito killer machines.

SCENT

CO2 released from a tank or as a byproduct of converting propane can be perceived by a mosquito's sense of smell up to a distance of around 100 feet. CO2 is the lure that reaches out the farthest. The SkeeterVacs and Mosquito Magnets emit CO2.

Octenol is contained in a fragrance strip that is distributed by movement of the wind. Octenol can be perceived at a distance of around 50 feet. It has been shown that CO2 combined with Octenol is much more attractive than CO2 alone to most mosquitoes, except for Asian Tigers.

Lactic Acid has tested much more attractive to Asian Tiger mosquitoes (small, black and white stripes) and midges. Lactic Acid is available as Lurex3 for Mosquito Magnet traps, and has been added to Octenol in the most recent mosquito trap lure, the Nosquito 2-in-1 Combo lure. It has tested much more attractive to Asian Tiger mosquitoes and midges. It is also more attractive than Octenol alone


How Mosquito Traps & Mosquito Repellents Work

Mosquito Repellents Mosquito Central carries only non-toxic repellents. They have been scientifically tested and found to work as well as toxic repellents. Unlike the toxic repellents, these do not kill beneficial insects and are not dangerous to people or animals in any way. Best of all, unlike many others on the market, these have been scientifically proven to really work. The Terminix AllClear Lantern, Backyard Mosquito Mister and the Mosquito Sentry all use non-toxic repellents. They work against all biting insects. Each one covers a specific size area (from about 200sq. ft. up to 2000 Sq. Ft.). They emit a mist of a substance made from a food-grade plant called Geraniol that confuses mosquitoes.		The Cognitos also emit a similar scent that is totally non-toxic (Linalool). They cover a smaller area. Mosquito Patches provide personal protection when you are in an unprotected area, such as the garden, hiking, or away from home. They allow your body to absorb enough Vitamin B1 which mosquitoes don't like to repel them. You cannot take enough orally to achieve the amount needed. 1 patch lasts 36 hours. They are very effective. See the Mosquito Repellents page to compare them or click the links to get detailedproduct information.

Mosquito Traps How do mosquito traps attract and kill mosquitoes? Mosquitoes are first attracted to a trap by smell. They can smell CO2 around 100 feet from a trap and start to fly towards the source. Next Octenol and Lactic Acid start to be perceived around 50 feet. As the insect continues toward the source, the color, lights and apparent movement in some mosquito traps add more attractants. Mosquitoes can only see about 30 feet. Finally, as they get within around 3 feet, the mosquitoes sense the heat and moisture from the CO2 release (if present) and fly into (or under the Mosquito Magnets) the mosquito trap, where they are blown by a fan into a container from which they cannot escape, making these mosquito killer machines. SCENT CO2 released from a tank or as a byproduct of converting propane can be perceived by a mosquito's sense of smell up to a distance of around 100 feet. CO2 is the lure that reaches out the farthest. The SkeeterVacs and Mosquito Magnets emit CO2. Octenol is contained in a fragrance strip that is distributed by movement of the wind. Octenol can be perceived at a distance of around 50 feet. It has been shown that CO2 combined with Octenol is much more attractive than CO2 alone to most mosquitoes, except for Asian Tigers. Lactic Acid has tested much more attractive to Asian Tiger mosquitoes (small, black and white stripes) and midges. Lactic Acid is available as Lurex3 for Mosquito Magnet traps, and has been added to Octenol in the most recent mosquito trap lure, the Nosquito 2-in-1 Combo lure. It has tested much more attractive to Asian Tiger mosquitoes and midges. It is also more attractive than Octenol alone		to most other mosquitoes. We recommend the Nosquito Combo lure for all mosquito types in all mosquito traps except for the Mosquito Magnets. SIGHT Color, Movement and Light: Mosquitoes can see movement and objects that differ in color from the background from a distance of around 30 feet. They are attracted to dark or black objects (wear light clothing). They are also attracted to light. As the mosquito following the scent comes nearer, it senses movement of an animal or human and targets it. Some of the models we carry create the appearance of movement to the mosquito by tiny flashing LED lights in the body of the mosquito killer or repellent machine. The Dynatraps, DTindoor and Intellitrap are light based traps. Moisture: Animals perspire which can be perceived by mosquitoes close to the source. A mosquito machine that uses propane gives off moisture, to lure and kill mosquitoes. Heat: Animals are warmer than their surroundings. Receptors on the mosquito's antenna help locate warmer areas from a distance of 10 feet, more if it is humid. The mosquito machines that convert propane give off some heat as the final lure in order to trap and kill mosquitoes. Why is one mosquito trap better than the other? The shape, size, color and height of the mosquito machine can make a huge difference. So does the amount of CO2, octenol and/or lactic acid released. Some frequencies of lights work better than others. The way the fans are designed to draw them in makes a big difference. Finally, placement of the devices is very important. A good trap in the wrong location will not be effective. See our recommendations.

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Mosquito Central, Dexter, Michigan, USA.