Trap Placement:
In one study trap location made up to a four-fold difference in catch rates. So the first thing we recommend is to check out the ‘battle-ground’. Walk around your yard and try and identify the areas where mosquitoes are most bothersome i.e. ‘the source’. Then set up your trap between the source of the mosquitoes and where people gather i.e. decks and patios. Position upwind and in a shaded area because most mosquito species are poor flyers and avoid the sun.
Your Mega-Catch™ trap will act like a decoy in a sense; attracting mosquitoes towards it and away from humans. Never put mosquito traps near people (20-30 feet is the recommended distance) because given the choice most mosquitoes will go for real rather than replica any day!
If your catch rate is low, try out a different location as mosquito breeding sites may vary during the season but trial each location for 7 days before moving. Experimentation will help you determine the most successful placement for your trap. Bear in mind too that it may take as long as 6-8 weeks of use to reduce local mosquito populations to the point that breeding cycles are interrupted, so don’t set up your new trap on the eve of an outdoor party or BBQ and expect it to keep the mosquitoes away from you and your guests. Plan ahead and operate the trap for several weeks in advance of outdoor social occasions.
Baits a.k.a. Attractants:
The use of attractants or baits in traps has been shown to significantly increase capture rates of most mosquito species. The main ingredients, Octenol (1-octen-3-ol, C8H16O), a by-product of the respiration of ruminants (e.g. oxen and cattle) often referred to as ‘cow’s breath’ and Lactic acid (C3H603), a component of human perspiration, have proven highly attractive to many species of mosquitoes and other biting insects. Mega-Catch™ produces two attractants; the standard Octenol as well as the Mega-Catch™ 3000.
We do recommend experimenting to determine whether Octenol is MORE or LESS effective with the mosquito species in your area. The Asian tiger (Aedes albopictus) and Culex mosquitoes aren’t overly attracted by Octenol which is why the company developed the Mega-Catch™ 3000 Combo Lure. The combination lure incorporates synthetic Octenol, Lactic acid and other ingredients specially formulated then blended to attract a wider range of mosquito species including the Asian tiger and other nuisance mosquitoes as well as sand flies, black flies and biting midges (no-see-ums).
If you are unsure what mosquito species are most prevalent in your area, you can contact your local mosquito control agency who should have the most up to date information available.
Catch Method – Container vs Catch Bag (ULTRA & PREMIER):
The wet catch method requires more maintenance than the dry catch bag, so if you’re going away for an extended period, we recommend using the catch bag.
The wet catch container when filled with the recommended solution of water; 3 or 4 teaspoons of sugar based drink (e.g. soda pop) and a few drops of liquid soap does achieve better results. This is because the airflow from the trap is humidity enriched (much like human breath) and contains traces of sugar, which mosquitoes identify as a source of energy. Several species respond better to solutions containing fructose (fruit sugars) or lime syrup. Some of our customers make up their own special solutions using infusions of hay or oak leaves, even Limburger cheese!
Again, you need to experiment.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
As a person breathes they exhale carbon dioxide and other odors to produce a plume that travels through the airstream. That plume acts like a dinner bell to mosquitoes, letting them know a warm-blooded meal is within range.
So if you have an ULTRA trap then we strongly recommend that you operate it with CO2 because this can increase capture rates by up to 300-400%. Mega-Catch’s™ patented Variable Quantity Slow CO2 Release System on the ULTRA is designed to replicate a key feature of human respiration by ‘exhaling’ small amounts of CO2 which mosquitoes then use to navigate their way toward the trap.
The ULTRA trap contains all the hardware needed to connect the trap to a CO2 tank (which you can either buy or hire) and can be filled at hundreds of gas supply outlets throughout North America. Quantities of CO2 released by the Trap can be adjusted between 5 settings by a simple touch of the Gas Select button on the Programmable Timer. A 20lb (9kg) cylinder used on the recommended setting should last for up to 4 months.
There are over 3,500 mosquito species worldwide. Not all yards are the same and your yard could harbor as many as 30 different species while your neighbor’s yard 300 feet away might have completely different species. We like the analogy that catching mosquitoes can be compared to fishing – everyone can do it, but those who are prepared to take the time to experiment and learn about the targeted species will always achieve the best results.
For additional assistance or tech support call our toll-free hotline 1 800 731 3946 or
email us at info@megacatch.com
Tags: carbon dioxide, catch mosquitoes, CO2, mega-catch, mega-catch 3000 combo lure, Mega-Catch Traps, mosquito attractants, mosquito control, mosquitoes, ULTRA trap
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