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Best Mosquito Traps
Updated for 2019
Last update on 2019-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How We Found the Best Mosquito Traps
Mosquito Traps We Reviewed:
Best Mosquito Traps
Mosquitos aren’t only an annoyance: They are carriers of several diseases like West Nile Virus and malaria. It makes sense to find a solution that will help keep you and your family safe.
These pests are attracted to our sweat and the carbon dioxide and other chemicals in our breath. Unfortunately, they are a necessary evil because of the food they provide for wildlife and other insects. However, that doesn’t mean they have to share your yard.
We searched through the available products on the market to come up with our Top 4 Best Mosquito Traps of 2019 to help your search. Read on to learn about the features that make these units stand out from the others.
BEST OVERALL
Liba Bug Zapper
Last update on 2019-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Draws in bugs effectively
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Attracts different types of flying insects
- Easy to clean through pulling out the bottom catch tray
Cons
- Some discrepancies in product effectiveness for users.
- Can be noisy when bugs enter the zapper.
Features & Specs
- Emits a 365 nm wavelength to attract bugs and zaps them with a 2800V grid.
- Comes with two replacement bulbs to ensure a long-lasting product.
- Cleaning only requires periodically removing the catch tray and rinsing it out.
The Liba Bug Zapper is one of the best options for your home due to its effectiveness, ease of use, and safety features. It operates by attracting mosquitoes, gnats, flies and other insects to it through a scientifically-proven light wavelength, then zaps them quickly.
The only maintenance required is to set the unit up where needed and periodically check the catch tray at the bottom for dead bugs. Though the zap isn’t as quiet as other models, it’s a great way to know that the product is working correctly.
BEST RUNNER-UP
Hoont Indoor/Outdoor 3-Way Mosquito and Fly Trap
Last update on 2019-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Ability to add your choice of attractants keeps the operating cost down while increasing its effectiveness
- It is water and weatherproof for continual outdoor use
- The fan is quiet
- You can put it in your home
- It is energy-efficient
Cons
- The unit is made of plastic which gives it a cheap appearance
Features & Specs
- The Hoont Indoor Outdoor 3-Way Mosquito and Fly Trap has a smaller footprint and won’t take up a lot of space on your deck or patio
- You can remove the stand to fit the device to your space
- Your only maintenance is to clean the tray periodically and rinse it with water
The Hoont Indoor Outdoor 3-Way Mosquito and Fly Trap is similar to the previous products with some notable differences. It also operates with a UV light and fan which draws insects into the unit. It also has a tray where you can add liquids such as beer or juice to attract more bugs to it.
Maintenance is simple without the need to add additional cartridges. The unit is attractive too. It lures a wide range of insects in case you have problems with other pests such as flies or wasps. Many find it a pleasant and quieter alternative to using a bug zapper.
BEST FOR INDOORS
Livin’ Well No Zap Mosquito trap
Last update on 2019-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- No zap, which makes the product quieter
- Long-lasting lightbulb to attract bugs
- Easy-to-clean tray
- Replaceable bulb for long product life
Cons
- Vacuum is not as effective as a zapper
Features & Specs
- Comes with a UVA light attractant, vacuum, and water tray
- Can be used indoors and outdoors – it’s waterproof and weather resistant
- Vacuum is quiet
- Replaceable lightbulb
The Livin’ Well No Zap Mosquito Trap is a great option that doesn’t use any chemicals or zapping. The product uses UVA light to attract bugs, vacuums them into the device, and spits them out into a water tray so they can’t get out.
You can even add soap and apple cider vinegar to the tray to ensure it will attract bugs and trap them once they’re caught. Some customers reported differences in effectiveness, but this may have to do with your placement, how often you change the bulbs out, and what you put in the catch tray.
BEST VACUUM TRAP
Flowtron MT-125 Mosquito PowerTrap
Last update on 2019-08-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- It has a one-year limited warranty
- Using octenol makes it more useful
- It is energy-efficient with either fuel or power source
- It is extremely quiet
- It is compact with a small footprint of only 14 x 10 x 14 inches
Cons
- It is expensive at over four times the cost of the next costliest unit
Features & Specs
- The Flowtron MT-125 Mosquito PowerTrap is heavier than any other product we reviewed at 15 pounds
- It runs on both electricity and propane
- It has a digital display
The Flowtron MT-125 Mosquito PowerTrap takes the job of ridding your space of pests to the next level. Instead of a fan, it uses a vacuum to capture insects attracted to its bright LEDs. It uses octenol as an attractant which is another chemical in your breath. That increases its effectiveness, especially with the addition of the power source.
The unit is pricey, yet it has some added features that justify the cost. You can use either propane or electricity to run it which adds to its versatility. The former is worthwhile considering that the power cord is a bit short.
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Many deterrents work on non-targeted animals too, making them a better value for the money
How Do Mosquito Traps Work?
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.
Are They Effective?
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.
What Should I Look For in a Mosquito Trap?
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.
Tips for Using Your Mosquito Trap
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.