mosquito trap optimisation guide

Get The Best From Your Mega-Catch™ PRO 900 Trap

There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes worldwide and your yard could harbor as many as 30 different species. Each species is unique and each is attracted by different combinations of sensory stimuli. Even miniscule changes in those stimuli can mean the difference between catching or not catching a certain species of mosquito. For that reason catching mosquitoes can be compared to fishing. Everyone can do it, but those who are willing to take the time to experiment and learn about the target species will always achieve the best results.

Here are some tips for getting the best capture rate out of your Mega-Catch™ PRO 900 Series 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™ PRO 900 Series Mosquito Trap we suggest that you run it 24/7 for the first 6-8 weeks. The PRO 900 Series ALPHA, PREMIER, PREMIER XC and ULTRA traps use less power than a 40 watt light bulb so operating costs are low. You can then program the timer (applies to PRO 900 Series PREMIER XC and ULTRA Traps only) 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 Mega-Catch™ Attractant Lures

Mega-Catch™ fragrance strips (lures), are an optional accessory that can improve the rate of capture of some mosquito species. Other species, may not be overly attracted. You can determine what works best in your area by experimenting with and without an attractant lure in place. We recommend that you configure your trap without using a mosquito lure for the first two weeks and then try a Mega-Catch™ fragrance strip for the following two weeks. This method will help you determine if attractants are more effective or less effective with the mosquito species in your area.

Catch Container Vs Catch Bag

The wet catch container (not available with PRO 900 Series ALPHA Trap) 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 a PRO 900 Series ULTRA trap then we strongly recommend that you operate it with CO2, because this can increase the capture rates by up to 300-400%. The patented Variable Quantity Slow CO2 Gas Release System on the PRO 900 Series 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 PRO 900 Series 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 and elsewhere (see operating manual for details). If you have a PRO 900 Series PREMIER XC trap then an optional CO2 Upgrade Kit is available online which upgrades the trap to top-of-the-line ULTRA specifications.

Patience

Patience and experimentation are the keys to getting the best out of your Mega-Catch™ PRO 900 Series Mosquito Trap. While the Mega-Catch™ PRO 900 Series Mosquito Trap has been designed to catch immediately there is any mosquito activity in the vicinity, it may take as much as 6-8 weeks of use to reduce local populations to the point that breeding cycles are interrupted. Subsequent re-infestations will probably occur after rain. Mega-Catch™ Mosquito Traps should be used in conjunction with other sensible 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.