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Mosquito Traps: Ratings of Sources
Total of 11 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. Florida A&M Public Health Entomology Research and Education Center
2010
Comparative Species & Numbers Captured By BG Sentinel, NZI, Mosquito Magnet X and Stinger MK-100 Mosquito Trap Configurations (Poster Presentation)
by John P. Smith, Eric H. Cope and Jimmy D. Walsh
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis study compares the number and variety of species captured by four types of mosquito traps, including two commercial traps, a Mosquito Magnet experimental model (MMX) and a Kaz Stinger MK100 (actually a mosquito zapper). A mosquito trap designed for use by professionals, the BG Sentinel, was also included, along with a trap designed and used in Africa. The researchers conclude that "the BG Sentinel+CO2+BG Lure, and the MMX+CO2+octenol caught significantly more (4.0 and 5.5X, respectively) mosquitoes on average than the other trap configurations." The same two traps captured the widest variety of mosquitoes.
2. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
March 2009
Evaluation of Six Mosquito Traps for Collection of Aedes albopictus and Associated Mosquito Species in a Suburban Setting in North Central Florida
by D. F. Hoel, D. L. Kline and S. A. Allan
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentResearchers set up this study to compare the effectiveness of six traps for capturing Asian tiger mosquitoes, the species most prevalent in the Southeast. Three Mosquito Magnet traps were included -- the Liberty, the Pro and an experimental model called here the MMX -- along with three non-commercial traps used by the Centers for Disease Control. The Mosquito Magnet traps were baited with carbon dioxide, octenol and Lurex. Of the six traps, the Mosquito Magnet Liberty captured the most Asian tiger mosquitoes, followed by the experimental Mosquito Magnet trap and the Mosquito Magnet Pro.
3. Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association
March 2010
Ineffectiveness of Mass Trapping for Mosquito Control in St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, Florida
by John P. Smith, Eric H. Cope, Jimmy D. Walsh, and Charles D. Hendrickson
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe researchers report that "mass trapping with multiple CO2- and octenol-supplemented Mosquito Magnet X traps (MM-X), operated 24 h/day, 7 days/wk, from March through November 2008, at St. Andrews State Park on northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, did not significantly reduce mosquito numbers compared to nontreated control sites." The Mosquito Magnet traps were an experimental design; no information is given about the design or how it differs from that of currently available models of the Mosquito Magnet.
4. Journal of Medical Entomology
July 2009
Host-Seeking Height Preferences of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in North Central Florida Suburban and Sylvatic Locales
by P.J. Obenauer, P.E. Kaufman, S.A. Allan, D.L. Kline
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn this study, researchers deploy different mosquito traps, including a Mosquito Magnet experimental model, in both suburban and uninhabited environments in order to test the feeding height preferences of the Asian tiger mosquito. They find that this mosquito feeds most frequently at a height of about one meter, or close to the ground. Varying numbers and types of mosquitoes were trapped in the different locations as well. The researchers state that the study "shows how trap type, trap heights, and environments influence sampling estimates when determining species abundance."
5. Journal of Medical Entomology
Jan. 28, 2008
Effectiveness of Mosquito Traps in Measuring Species Abundance and Composition
by Heidi Brown, et al.
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentResearchers measure the abundance and diversity of mosquito species captured by a Mosquito Magnet Pro, a Mosquito Magnet prototype and a CDC Miniature Light Trap in an area of the Bronx Zoo. The Mosquito Magnets catch significantly more mosquitoes than the CDC trap does, but does not capture members of every species of mosquito present. The authors of the study conclude that when evaluating mosquito traps, researchers should not look only at how many mosquitoes are caught, since this number "may not accurately reflect the abundance or the real range of mosquito species that are present."
6. Maryland Department of Agriculture
Not Dated
Mosquito Control Program Description
by Editors of Maryland Department of Agriculture
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis informative article explores mosquito biology, surveillance methods and control options. It criticizes electrocuting devices such as bug zappers and Citrosa plants as ineffective for mosquito control. The article references a 2001 study conducted by the Maryland Department of Agriculture in which Mosquito Magnet's claim to be an effective means of mosquito control "could not be corroborated." Researchers find the Mosquito Magnet to be a good tool in collecting samples for surveillance, however.
7. Amazon.com
As of August 2010
Pest Control: Traps
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe SkeeterVac SV3100 is rated 4 out of 5 stars by over 20 users. One user reports that he has used Mosquito Magnets in the past and that they attracted and killed more mosquitoes than the SkeeterVac does, but lasted only one season at most. The Mega-Catch Premier gets above-average ratings from more than 30 owners, but the Mosquito Magnet Defender gets an average rating of only 2.5 stars from almost 170 owners.
8. Journal of Chemical Ecology
July 26, 2006
Geographic Variation in Attraction to Human Odor Compounds by Aedes Aegypti Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): A Laboratory Study
by Craig Williams, et al.
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentResearchers test lactic acid, a key attractant compound from human skin, alone and in combination with ammonia and caproic acid (a fatty acid) against four mosquito populations of distinct geographic origin (Australia, Brazil, Singapore and the United States). Results indicate behavioral variability among the populations as to their attraction to individual odors and odor combinations. For instance, while all four populations are attracted to lactic acid, the U.S. population is the most sensitive. Trap development may require some specialization depending on the region of origin, the researchers conclude. The article does not give recommendations for specific traps.
9. NorthlineExpress.com
As of September 2009
Mosquito Trap Reviews
by Editors of and Contributors to NorthlineExpress.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIt is not clear what the editors base their reviews on, but the reviews by owners offer a first-person look at some models' performance. The SkeeterVac SV-15, SV3100 and SV5100 all receive an above-average rating from more than 20 current owners. Most people report that they are very pleased with the performance of the model they own. Owner/reviewers are not identified, however. The Mosquito Magnet Liberty and Defender models get good ratings, but have only a handful of owner reviews.
10. Epinions.com
As of August 2010
Pest Control: Traps
by Contributors to Epinions.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEpinions.com is a mediocre resource for consumer ratings of mosquito traps, since many traps have no ratings or ratings that are quite old. There are, however, more than 50 user reviews each for the Mosquito Magnet Liberty and Defender models. Each earns 2 stars out of 5. Many reviewers criticize them as expensive and unreliable.
11. American Mosquito Control Association
June 21, 2005
The Effectiveness of the Mosquito Magnet Trap for Reducing Biting Midge (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Populations in Coastal Residential Backyards
by J. E. Cilek and C. F. Hallmon
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentResearchers at Florida A&M University evaluate how effective single Mosquito Magnet traps are in consistently reducing the biting midge population in a coastal Florida residential neighborhood. Mosquito Magnet traps are set up in five backyards, compared to three control backyards, with weekly samples collected. Results indicate that midge reduction is variable and inconsistent with the Mosquito Magnets compared to the control sample. No other models are discussed and there are no ratings.
     
 

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