No mosquitoes in Florida this year, yet, and when they do arrive there will be fewer than I ever experienced up North, thanks to aggressive community mosquito control, especially in the more populated areas. They were much worse when I moved here 32 years ago, but they're something we give little thought to, today. Also, in 32 years, I've never seen a mosquito as big as the ones I experienced in Massachusetts.
I don't know anything about the current models of less expensive mosquito "magnets", but I do know something about the original models, which I believe were the basis for the current lower cost models.
The original Mosquito Magnet, introduced a few years ago, uses propane for power; no electricity needed. It does not burn the propane, but converts it in some chemical fashion I don't pretend to understand. It also, like the newer ones, uses and oxygenizer tablet. It creates an atmosphere around the unit that attracts mosquitoes.
The propane models were/are expensive; around $1200 for the 1/2 acre model. They're also moderately expensive to operate -- a 20# tank of propane lasts about 3 weeks ($12 - $15), and a tablet lasts about a month (~$12 as I recall). Some of our local gas companies have set up service for them at around $50/month.
To be effective, they have to be started before mosquitoes begin to occur, and must be left running continuously. They take time to clear out the pests, and aren't effective if they're just turned on for a day when you happen to want to be outside. They work in conjunction with prevailing breezes, and it may take more than one to be effective.
Part of my grill business was a prosperous propane dispensing business, and we considered becoming dealers. We accurately predicted that lower cost models would be available from Big Box stores and passed.
I am considering them for my Okeechobee property, which is much more rural, although my daughter has lived next door to our property for over 6 years and has experienced only short mosquito "seasons". I've already set up our pond to have a constant level, which goes a long way towards controlling mosquito hatching. I'm also considering fogging equipment and looking into garlic sprays, but only if we decide to eschew screens for pool and porches. The cost of the screens, and the relatively short periods of need, would buy a lot of preventive measures.
I have a lot more problems with ants.
I don't know anything about the current models of less expensive mosquito "magnets", but I do know something about the original models, which I believe were the basis for the current lower cost models.
The original Mosquito Magnet, introduced a few years ago, uses propane for power; no electricity needed. It does not burn the propane, but converts it in some chemical fashion I don't pretend to understand. It also, like the newer ones, uses and oxygenizer tablet. It creates an atmosphere around the unit that attracts mosquitoes.
The propane models were/are expensive; around $1200 for the 1/2 acre model. They're also moderately expensive to operate -- a 20# tank of propane lasts about 3 weeks ($12 - $15), and a tablet lasts about a month (~$12 as I recall). Some of our local gas companies have set up service for them at around $50/month.
To be effective, they have to be started before mosquitoes begin to occur, and must be left running continuously. They take time to clear out the pests, and aren't effective if they're just turned on for a day when you happen to want to be outside. They work in conjunction with prevailing breezes, and it may take more than one to be effective.
Part of my grill business was a prosperous propane dispensing business, and we considered becoming dealers. We accurately predicted that lower cost models would be available from Big Box stores and passed.
I am considering them for my Okeechobee property, which is much more rural, although my daughter has lived next door to our property for over 6 years and has experienced only short mosquito "seasons". I've already set up our pond to have a constant level, which goes a long way towards controlling mosquito hatching. I'm also considering fogging equipment and looking into garlic sprays, but only if we decide to eschew screens for pool and porches. The cost of the screens, and the relatively short periods of need, would buy a lot of preventive measures.
I have a lot more problems with ants.
