Best Mosquito Traps

Most traps operate with lights that attract insects to the unit where they are drawn in and unable to escape. They differ from bug zappers in that they run silently without the obnoxious sounds of dying pests. You’ll find devices that use fans or vacuums to trap them.

Maintenance involves cleaning out the collection tray. Some units have a grid instead where bugs fall through and collect underneath. The former option is more desirable since you remove them without leaving a mess.

Proper placement is essential to get the most out of your purchase. They work best if elevated off the ground and within 10 feet of the usable space. Bear in mind that they attract bugs. Therefore, you don’t want to place the unit next to you.

You’ll find many products that run chemical-free for the safest use. Trapped insects die naturally within the unit. You’ll see items with pleasant designs that are unobtrusive. It’s often a primary selling feature.

Some also include the use of an attractant such as octenol. Mosquitoes and other pests seek out scents they find alluring such as carbon dioxide or lactic acid. Commercial products mimic these smells to increase the usefulness of the trap. However, they work well without them too.

These products are most effective if they provide the main light source without competition from others. You can also boost their performance by making your yard less inviting to pests. Drain any stagnant water in bird baths, planters, or other containers. They provide the ideal breeding grounds for these insects.

Other things you can do can make your yard less desirable for pests. For example, if you have other light fixtures near your deck or patio, swap out any white bulbs for yellow ones instead. Also, consider your garden. Aromatic plants such as catnip, basil, and lemon balm can repel mosquitoes to prevent a problem in the first place.

If you have a water garden, you can replace it with another feature that is less enticing to bugs. Bear in mind that only a small amount of water is necessary to lure them to your yard. Making your outdoor space less inviting is an effective way of reducing the problem that is simple and safe.

It’s also helpful to avoid the times when they are most active. Dawn and dusk are peak activity hours. Remember that sweat also attracts biting insects. Stay indoors on warm days to make yourself less attractive to them. If you must go outside, apply a repellent to keep them at bay.

We suggest using more than one method to get your mosquito problem under control regardless of the model you get. Another way to tackle the issue is to call on Mother Nature for some reinforcements.

A bat house is an excellent way to control insects by providing shelter for these mammals. It also provides a way to educate your children about this often-misunderstood animal. They can devour over 1,000 bugs a night. Along with your mosquito trap, you have an excellent means to control pests in your yard.