|
Advantages of Mosquito Killers Over Bug Zappers
The modern electronic mosquito killer devices, besides their proven effectiveness, are a lot more pleasant than older bug zappers. They are much safer for children and won't scatter fragments of blasted
bugs all over when a mosquito meets her demise. They are usually very quiet, for one thing, and produce no discernable odor (at least to humans).
Situating a Mosquito Killer
Placement is crucial when using electronic mosquito killers. Find an area in the yard that is shaded with dense foliage and is blocked from direct sunlight and wind gusts. The mosquito killer should be placed at ground level. The key to optimal results is good
placement..
Placement of Mosquito Killers
How far away should you place your electronic mosquito killer?
A common rule of thumb is that these devices will be killing mosquitoes within a 100 ft radius (about one acre). Factors such as wind and physical properties (walls, fences, and buildings) will also
interfere (positively and negatively) with the device's ability to attract mosquitoes. However, if people are on the edge of the circle, they will attract mosquitoes that are outside the 100 foot radius.
Adjuncts to Mosquito Killers
Several electronic mosquito killer systems include a separate device designed to reduce human attractiveness to questing female mosquitoes. The attractants in the capturing devices placed elsewhere become more effective.
These masking devices usually consist of a plastic casing enclosing a fan powered by 2 AA batteries. The fan helps distribute a plume of a proprietary substance that ostensibly masks human odors to mosquitoes. Thus, female mosquitoes do not recognize humans
within the area as food sources.
Where to Put Your Electronic Mosquito Killer
Before you buy a mosquito killer device, consider how and where it should be integrated into your yard. Where should you put it? Site it between you and the places where mosquitoes live (forest, pond, stream, etc.).
*The device should be placed about 10 m (30 ft.) to 15 m (45 ft.) away from the area which you want to protect (deck, pool, patio, etc.).
How Mosquito Killers Work
When using a mosquito killer that uses heat to draw female mosquitoes and other biting insects be aware that it may have a limited range of effectiveness. Female mosquitoes initially are attracted to carbon dioxide exhalation. They seek prey based on heat only,
as they reach closer ranges. Therefore, heat-based mosquito control methods offer a limited range of effectiveness based on proximity.
Carbon Dioxide and Mosquito Killers
Some electronic mosquito killer devices use carbon dioxide similar to the Skeeter Vac. Instead of using propane to generate the carbon dioxide, a carbon dioxide tank is used. Soft drink distributors
or welding shop suppliers sometimes offer tanks. Others will rent tanks out for a small fee. Some suppliers will even let you use a tank for free (as long as you pay for refills).
A Comprehensive Mosquito Control Program
It is not wise to put too much faith in electronic mosquito killers. These traps represent an evolving technology that is a most welcome addition to our mosquito control armamentarium. Their potential
is great, but shouldn’t be overestimated. Whatever their improvements, it’s highly unlikely that these devices, will ever fully supplement organized community-wide mosquito control programs, for there is just no single solution that will prove to
be the best answer to mosquito problems. Explore all of your mosquito control options.
Electronic Mosquito Killers vs. Pesticides
Areasonable alternative to pesticides is a good electronic mosquito killer.. It does not carry all the negative impact associated with insecticides (such as effects on people, birds, animals and other insects). It targets, instead, only biting insects.
Unlike pesticides that will need to be sprayed at regular intervals, keeping the machine operational throughout the breeding season should maintain a permanent and very high level of protection .
New Electronic Mosquito Killers
More sophisticated electronic mosquito killers have led to better control due to the drawbacks of conventional bug zappers. These newer devices mimic the heat signature of potential preys and effectively attracts and kills only mosquitoes and other biting insects.
The insects are drawn to the unit where they are quickly and quietly electrocuted.
|
