Don't let Mosquitoes get you down

If you like spending time outside or opening the doors of your house to allow cool evening air inside, you’ve probably waged a battle or three with mosquitoes. Along with biting flies, no-see-ums, and gnats, these insect pests can prevent you from enjoying your yard and your day. If they manage to get inside – through an open window, door, or damaged screen – they can wreak all kinds of havoc; or at the very least be extremely annoying.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of mosquito traps available for both indoor and outdoor use. Flying insect-killing devices work in a variety of ways though most employ ultraviolet light to attract mosquitoes to them. Once ensnared, the blood-sucking insects are eliminated by the use of electricity, sticky glue paper, or a high-speed whirring fan.

Here’s a mosquito trap roundup to help you choose the best device to keep biting insects from overrunning both your yard and your house.

Dynatrap DT1050-TUNSR Mosquito, Beetle & flying Insect Trap

Attracted by the ultraviolet light, flying insects, like mosquitoes, no-see-ums, biting flies, and others gravitate toward the Dynatrap, which is also coated with TiO2 (titanium dioxide) that reacts with the UV rays to release carbon dioxide, mimicking the scent of a human. Once the pests fly into the trap they are sucked into their death by the fan. Position the trap three to six feet off the ground and 20 to 40 feet away from people. And make sure to empty the insect carcasses from the catch basket regularly.

According to the manufacturer, the Dynatrap protects up to a half-acre. Amazon reviewers point out that it can take about a week of running the Dynatrap continuously to experience significant results.

Faicuk WS108 Wall Sconce Fly Light Trap

This wall-sconce flying insect trap is simply a fancy housing for those old, ugly (and rather disgusting) hanging glue strips. The Faicuk light comes with replaceable “sticky” boards that mosquitoes and other flying pests end up stuck on after they are lured in by the UV light. Change the glue board every 30 days for best results. 

These are not recommended for outdoor spaces. They work well in places like kitchens, restaurants, basements, and schools. The well-designed sconce shape of the device blends well with a variety of decor. 

Katchy Indoor Insect and Flying Bugs Trap

This trap by Katchy is another indoor, non-zapping, quiet, mosquito eliminator that uses UV light and a glue board. It has a small 2-speed fan at the top that draws in flying insects when they come near, spinning them to their demise on a super sticky round board. Replacement boards are available in a four or eight-pack.

The Katchy does not work on house flies and works best at night when there is not another strong light source nearby. Place one next to your garbage, sink drain, and/or fruit bowl.

While Amazon reviewers in general purport that these ultrasonic repellers work, there doesn’t seem to be any real science behind it. I did find one study that even showed that the ultrasonic noise resulted in more mosquito activity. Nevertheless, since these devices are not very expensive, and are non-toxic and easy to use (simply plug into a wall outlet), they’re certainly worth a try if you have a pest problem in your house.  

The Neatmaster has three functions, or settings: green for a light infestation, blue for a middle infestation, and red for a “terrible” one. Ultrasonic repellers can take three to four weeks to produce results.

The Tysonair bug zapper attracts mosquitoes with ultraviolet light and then electrocutes them with a 4200-volt grid. The bottom tray unscrews so you can dispose of all the insect bodies collected. This bug zapper is waterproof and can be used indoors or outdoors. It also has a protective plastic shell so you don’t accidentally zap yourself. For best results, turn off any other bright lights when using.

Mosquito Magnet MM4200B Patriot Plus Mosquito Trap 

At $375, this mosquito trap is much more expensive than all the others included. It works by burning propane which produces CO2 to attract mosquitoes. As the mosquitoes fly near the trap they are sucked inside where they die. The device, which needs to be plugged in via a 50-foot cord, covers a full acre.

There are three different “attractant” packs, or lures, available: octenol, r-octenal, or lurex3, though the lurex is no longer manufactured. The company recommends using Aktrakta pods as a replacement. Both the lure and the propane tank (not included) last about 21 days, after which you’ll need to replace them.

Mosquitoes have been on Earth for millions of years with evidence suggesting that they date back to the Jurassic period. Not all species of mosquitoes bite humans but the ones that do are believed to have evolved in areas with “long, intense dry seasons”. Female mosquitoes need blood and water to hatch their eggs and humans, conveniently, have both. The fact that these insects have been around for so long suggests that they certainly aren’t going away anytime soon – from Earth that is. Using one or more of the above mosquito traps, though will at least keep them from your own tiny piece of Earth, otherwise known as your yard and home.