Mosquito FAQs
 What is a mosquito
trap?
Mosquito traps capture mosquitoes by mimicking the different
attractants that lure mosquitoes. These include exhaled carbon
dioxide, human scents, and body heat. Lured by these chemicals,
the mosquito is drawn towards that trap and captured by the
impeller fan. The mosquito then adheres to a sticky surface
on the device and is electrocuted. Which is more effective—mosquito
nets or traps?
While both offer sufficient protection against mosquitoes,
the World Health Organization and the U.S. Center
for Disease Control both highly recommend using various
netting options to reduce contact with mosquitoes.
Netting
offers effective protection from mosquitoes and other insects,
and also helps decrease the risk of contracting any mosquito-borne
diseases. To work properly, netting should have a mesh size
of 1.2mm X 1.2mm, have 120-200 holes per square inch, and
should be made of either polyester or polyamide. To ensure
the best protection, all mosquito netting should be pretreated
with insecticides. Click
here to learn more about mosquito netting.
What is the mosquito magnet?
The Mosquito Magnet captures mosquitoes by giving off
carbon dioxide, heat, and moisture. This is combined with
an attractant called octenol, which is a natural plant pheromone.
Once the Mosquito Magnet attracts the bugs it vacuums the
insects into a net where they dehydrate and die. The Mosquito
Magnet not only captures mosquitoes, but also biting midges,
black flies, and sandflies.
Click here to
learn more about the mosquito magnet.
Will mosquito repellent offer me 100% protection?
Mosquito repellents made with DEET (N-diethyl meta-toluamide)
have been proven to be the most effective, offering almost
100% protection against biting insects. The more DEET that
a repellent contains, the longer it can protect you from mosquito
bites. A higher percentage of DEET in a repellent indicates
that it will last on your skin for a longer amount of time.
For the best protection, use a repellent that has 20% to 35%
DEET in it. Avoid applying a product that contains more than
35% DEET on a child, as it may have side effects.
What should I do if my child has been bit?
If your child has an allergy to mosquito bites (fever,
nausea), you must contact a physician immediately. If your
child only experiences the usual swelling and itching associated
with mosquito bites, then follow these simple steps to making
your child’s bite as comfortable as possible:
- Wash the infected area with soap and water
- Use a cool compress
- Apply anti-itching medications or creams (like Calamine
lotion)
How can I control mosquitoes around my home?
Mosquitoes around the home can be reduced significantly
by minimizing the amount of standing water available for mosquito
breeding. You can reduce the standing water around your home
in a variety of ways:
- Throw out tin cans, pots, or any other containers that
can accumulate water
- Make sure to empty any water from used or discarded tires
on your property
- Clean roof gutters annually
- Change the water in bird baths and wading pools in a weekly
basis
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools
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