Mosquito Traps Reviews

Many mosquito traps attract mosquitoes with a combination of carbon dioxide (some traps use propane to provide both power and a source of CO₂) and octenol (another chemical attractant).They are an option for those who live near mosquito-infested areas like ponds and marshes, or have a backyard mosquito issue that goes beyond the reach of personal insect repellents.

Many other types of devices claim to control mosquitoes, but experts say they just don't work as well as mosquito traps. Electronic devices that claim to repel mosquitoes by emitting high frequency sounds are considered ineffective by reviewers, as are Citrosa plants. Studies have also shown that electrocuting bug zappers kill mostly beneficial insects, such as beetles and moths, rather than mosquitoes. In one test, bug zappers didn't kill more mosquitoes than were trapped on sticky paper. Similarly, bug foggers are less discriminating than traps, can use dangerous chemicals and do not kill mosquito eggs.

We didn't find any comparative reviews on mosquito traps. But we did find several tests conducted by USDA researchers that shed light on the best trap processes, types and usage. Few tests use a variety of traps or offer specific recommendations, although some studies do analyze one trap over an extended time period. One USDA test in particular pits two Mosquito Magnet traps against a light trap and two specialty traps in suburban Gainesville, Florida. The results show that Mosquito Magnet traps caught more mosquitoes than any other kinds of traps. Another USDA study published in the Journal Of Medical Entomology finds that traps using counterflow technology (used by Mosquito Magnet traps) can catch more mosquitoes than other traps. Owner reviews on Amazon.com are also helpful, since they're written by homeowners rather than researchers in a lab setting.

Since the first "light traps" were introduced in 1989, the number of traps has ballooned in response to demand from homeowners who want protection from mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus. But experts warn that these pricey mosquito traps -- while more effective than bug zappers and foggers -- are not a cure-all. "No one knows exactly how effective traps are," says Daniel Kline, a research scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture who has studied mosquito traps for over 20 years. And he adds a word of caution: "I don't care what the mosquito control method is, you're going to get bitten."

Kline does add that mosquito traps are the most effective way to control mosquitoes on a large scale. The reason is that the traps have both short-term and long-term effects because they kill egg-laying female mosquitoes and thus help deplete the egg banks that create new generations of mosquitoes. "Egg banks can stay viable for 5 to 10 years," he adds. "So with traps, you're having an impact now and on future generations of mosquitoes."

Back in 2002, the Federal Trade Commission charged Lentek International with making false and unsubstantiated advertising claims for its electronic MosquitoContro devices, other pest repellers and air cleaning products. The FTC charged that Lentek did not have reliable evidence to support its claim of repelling mosquitoes. The FTC and Lentek signed a consent agreement under which Lentek had to change its marketing tactics. The MosquitoContro is no longer available. Lentek filed for bankruptcy in 2003, and its assets were sold to Koolatron. Lentek is now a division of Koolatron and still produces a small line of mosquito traps, although reviews say that they are not as effective as the Mosquito Magnet traps.  ... Continued

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The Mosquito Magnet Liberty consistently outperforms its closest competitors by trapping more mozzies and a greater variety of species. The Mega-Catch will appeal to those who don't want a cumbersome propane tank or want the option of adding CO₂ via a compressed gas cylinder. The SkeeterVac makes a line of cordless budget mosquito traps that some owners say are effective.