Keep mosquitos at bay with some handy products.
Mosquito repellent machines are wonderful to have around the backyard, at the campground and anywhere there are mosquitoes in general. A great benefit of these machines is the decrease in the population of mosquitoes in the area. This is the result of interrupting their reproduction cycle. A mosquito repellent machine is an efficient, long-term solution. Does this Spark an idea?
Mode of Action
How mosquito traps work is pretty straightforward, as most of them operate using similar principles. When mosquitoes are approximately 100 feet away from the trap, they become attracted to the carbon dioxide, and start heading toward the source. At about 50 feet, octenol and lactic acid lures the mosquitoes even closer. This works because the octenol and carbon dioxide combination imitates cow's breath, to which mosquitoes are naturally attracted. If there are lights on the machine, in addition to movement, it attracts the mosquitoes that much more. Another design element that draws mosquitoes in is the combination of heat and humidity. Mosquitoes fly into the trap machine and are propelled by a fan into an inescapable compartment. Price of these units as of 2010 ranges from about $150 to $500.
Dragonfly II
Installing the Dragonfly II and operating it is very simple, with its one-button operation. This unit gives the appearance of a small animal, which is enticing to mosquitoes. The trap has eight different modes using carbon dioxide, octenol, heat and lactic acid. As of 2010, the Dragonfly II sells for $379.00, and is a good fit for large yards as well.
SV3100 Cordless
The SV3100 is a cordless, battery-powered unit that requires one AA battery to start it up. This trap combines carbon dioxide, blinking lights, heat, humidity, octenol and lactic acid to attract mosquitoes. A fan propels them into a detachable tray, which rapidly dries out the mosquitoes, causing them to die. The SV3100 trap is convenient for travel due to its small size and portability. The unit costs $299.00 as of 2010, and adequately covers large yards.
MT-350 Plus
This trap is corded with a timer, which makes the propane last longer. A benefit of MT-350 is that it uses nine mosquito lures. The unit incorporates carbon dioxide, octenol, UV lights, color, heat, humidity, movement and spectrum light to attract mosquitoes. This trap is not recommended for operation during heavy rain. As of 2010, the MT-350 costs $439.00, and can accommodate large yards.
IntelliTrap Indoor/Outdoor
This trap is a good fit for patios and small yards. IntelliTrap does not use carbon dioxide, but instead uses attractants like color, UV light and heat. Liquid repellent is optional with this trap. This unit is not intended for operation during heavy rain. IntelliTrap is very small, portable and can be used both inside and outside. The 2010 price of this unit is approximately $149.00.
Tags: carbon dioxide, heat humidity, lactic acid, large yards, This trap