Mosquito Magnets......

Junkman · Apr 26, 2005

For those that are not familiar with these, they are propane fueled devices that emit carbon dioxide to draw mosquitoes into a killing bag.

Does anyone here have one and what are the difference between the different brands. What are your experiences and what do you like and dislike about the model that you purchased?

Thanks.... the original Junk.....

midlf · Apr 26, 2005

I have the Mosquito Magnet (TM) the Defender model. It covers 1/2 acre. The thing works great. At my old place in the city it cleared out our 50'x150' lot of mosquito's as well as the adjacent neighbors. Others on the block were complaining about mosquito's but not us.

When I moved in July the neighbors noticed when it was gone. I have not had a chance to use it on the new 21 acre property yet. The only downside to the Defender is it needs to be plugged in as well as using propane. I will be investigating the new Liberty model that does not need to be plugged in as an addition to our defenses. With 4 acres of swamp, oops I mean "wetland", I'll probably need more mosquito sucking power in my arsenal.

A friend has a competing brand, Coleman I think, that does not seem to work as well but still works. His has an advantage however as it does not need electricity to work.

When I bought the Mosquito Magnet I was skeptical. I thought I might be blowing $$ on a snake oil product. I was amazed at how well it worked. Note that to be fully effective it takes 4-6 weeks to crack the breeding cycle, but I did notice some results right away. After 4 weeks we had no mosquito's. Count me in as a believer. This year at the new place will be a true test.

MadReferee · Apr 26, 2005

Junk,
You ever heard of the Search function? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Plenty of hits on "mosquito magnet". /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Here are just a few.

Mosquito Magnet users

Mosquito Magnet

Glenn9643 · Apr 26, 2005

Junk,
We’ve had one for about three years... I think the “Liberty” model but not sure. It’s supposed to be effective on an acre and requires propane as well as access to 110v. Came with about a 50’ transformer/low voltage cord. It took a while to determine proper placement for it to catch the mosquitoes, considering habitat and wind patterns, but since it has really helped in the area where we relax in the evenings. Our primary problem was with the “Asian Tiger” and the octenol attractant seemed to repel them. We don’t use any attractant with ours and seem to get better results. During rainy periods we’ve had to supplement it with a propane fogger about twice a week around the house. I’m a satisfied user and have considered another one to help out around my implement sheds at the shop.
The one problem I’ve had is occasional startup problems. The company recommends using co2 cartridges for a “cleanout” procedure. Rather than bother with these, I remove the bag and vent covers and blow mine out with compressed air and it seems to work OK. They apparently work with any blood-sucking insect, not limited to mosquitoes.

DaveNay · Apr 26, 2005

What situations do you want to use it for? If you want continuous protection, then these seem like a good idea to me, but I wonder about the cost of the propane to keep it running several hours per day.

What I do if I am having a party or something similar is to purchase about 20 lbs of dry ice, and break it up into 2-3 of the cheap styrofoam coolers. You can leave the lid off, or cut a large hole in the lid. Put these coolers in a couple far corners away from the people ahead of time, and you will have a fairly pest free party. Mosquitoes are attracted to the CO2 in the breath of mammals, and the dry ice is irresistable to them. This is exactly what the commercial propane units do, but they use a catalyst to generate the CO2 from propane.

Dave

Glenn9643 · Apr 26, 2005

Dave,
To be effective they need to be operating 24/7. I swapped out some propane tanks yesterday, and I believe they were about $14 each exchange at Lowe's, the cheapest local price I can find. The small tanks last about a month if the tank is full.
In addition to the propane, you have to swap out nets occasionally, and the attractant if you use it.

boustany · Apr 27, 2005

"They apparently work with any blood-sucking insect, not limited to mosquitoes."

Even lawyers?

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Glenn9643 · Apr 28, 2005

My dad practiced law for about fifty years so I don't adhere to the stereotype that's become so popular lately. There are many lawyers that are ethical and an asset to their community.

Junkman · Apr 28, 2005

Bet that your dad didn't have a clock on his desk that started when he picked up the phone and stopped when he hung up the phone, and he billed the client in 15 minute increments even if the call only took 3 minutes...... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

boustany · Apr 28, 2005

Hint: a /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif indicates jocular discourse.

Of course some lawyers are decent human beings, etc., etc., but, there are more and more of them, and the question as to whether canceling 'cow pie bingo' due to litigation concerns, or any one of the more and more numerous examples of tort and tort fears run amok makes the world a better place I'll leave for others.