MOSQUITO TRAP OPTIMIZATION

GETTING THE BEST FROM YOUR MEGA-CATCH™ TRAP

There are over 3,500 mosquito species worldwide. Your yard could harbor as many as 30 different species while your neighbor’s yard 300 feet away might have completely different species. 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.

Here are some tips for getting the best capture rate out of your Mega-Catch™ Mosquito Trap:

Trap Placement: The location of your trap is a critical variable in maximizing capture rates. Most mosquito species avoid direct sunlight and wind so we recommend shaded, sheltered areas, preferably amongst bushes or shrubs and near any wetland area. Keep the trap away from areas frequented by humans and animals. Experiment with different locations to determine the most successful placement for your trap.
Operating Times: When you first start using your Mega-Catch™ Mosquito Trap we suggest that you run it 24/7 for the first 6-8 weeks. (Both the PREMIER and ULTRA traps use less power than a 40 watt light bulb so operating costs are low). You should then program the timer so that the trap operates during periods of maximum mosquito activity in your area. Most mosquito species bite in the evening and early morning.
Experimentation with Octenol: Most mosquito species are attracted by Mega-Catch™ Octenol Fragrance Strips. However there are some species that are not attracted by Octenol. We recommend that you configure your trap without using an Octenol Fragrance Strip for the first two weeks and then insert an Octenol Fragrance Strip for the following two weeks. This will help you determine if Octenol is more effective or less effective with the mosquito species in your area.
Catch Container Vs 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, generally produces better catches than the dry catch bag. 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 or even Limburger cheese! Again you need to experiment.
CO2: If you have an ULTRA trap then we strongly recommend that you operate it with CO2 because this can increase the capture rate by up to 300-400%. The CO2 variable quantity slow gas release system on the ULTRA “exhales” variable amounts of CO2 which mosquitoes use to navigate their way to the trap. This replicates a key element of human / animal respiration. The ULTRA trap contains all the hardware needed to connect the trap to a CO2 tank which can be filled at hundreds of gas supply outlets throughout North America (see operating manual for details). You can order a CO2 tank online from www.megacatch.com.
Patience: Patience and experimentation are the keys to getting the best out of your Mega-Catch™ Mosquito Trap. It may take as much as 6-8 weeks to reduce the mosquito population in your yard to the point that you feel you have the mosquito population under control. Even then you should not expect to completely eliminate mosquitoes. Mega-Catch™ Mosquito Traps should be used in conjunction with other sensible mosquito control measures designed to manage mosquito populations.

Operating your trap for the first time in anticipation of instant results will be disappointing 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. Instead plan ahead and operate the trap for several weeks in advance of outdoor social occasions.