Review of the best mosquito traps: from electric to propane mosquito killers

Author: Michael Potter Updated: April 15, 2020

Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying enemies of humanity. It is not surprising that you can find so many products for killing these insects in stores. Manufacturers compete in ingenuity and come up with more and more new types of mosquito traps. Today we will talk about them.

We have thoroughly studied all types of traps that are on the market today and will help you choose the most effective ones. We’ll tell you about the most famous manufacturers and their best products, and most importantly, find out what experienced users think about all this.

Among the proven manufacturers of electric traps that you can trust, I will highlight: Tefal Mosquito Protect, Flowtron, Mosquito Magnet® and electric insect traps from the manufacturer EcoSniper.

As a rule, all mosquito killers operate on the same principle. The device lures the mosquito into the trap space, from which it can no longer get out - and inside the insect dies from poison or dehydration. Mosquitoes love human smell, warmth and water. This is precisely the principle of operation of all traps. In different traps, the bait may be one or several “mosquito weaknesses”. The mosquito associates all this with food and reproduction - and it flies in the direction of the trap without looking back.

Well, then the differences begin. By type, electric traps are divided into CO2- (carbon dioxide that a person emits when breathing) and propane traps . In some models you can find heat and even light as bait.

Electrical CO 2 traps imitate human breathing. Insects sense the gas released into the atmosphere tens of meters away and perceive it as a trace of human activity.

Propane mosquito killers work on a similar principle - the most powerful, expensive and effective mosquito traps. However, they can only be used outdoors! We devoted an entire section to this type of trap at the very end of the material. The trick with propane is that when it oxidizes, this gas forms moisture and CO2. Both attract mosquitoes! And at the same time – and some other winged insects.

We will separately highlight indoor traps , since most of us still live in apartments and we need safe and non-toxic traps. Electric traps are equally effective outdoors and at home: in this case, carbon dioxide acts as both a bait and a destructive medium. They are purchased much more often than propane analogues. Largely due to a more affordable price and good performance.

With heat and light, everything is clear: light attracts and hypnotizes almost all winged insects at night, and, again, they perceive heat as a factor in reproduction and food.

What types of mosquito traps are there?

But the differences between specific types of traps do not end there. Designers and inventors came up with many tricks that made their product unique. We have selected 6 of the most common types of mosquito traps for this review. These are heat and water traps, CO2 and UV traps, homemade traps and propane traps - there are a lot of options! But what are their fundamental differences?

1. Heat traps (as the name suggests, attract insects with heat). As a rule, these are massive units that can be used outdoors or in a large house.
2. Water traps are quite effective outdoors and at home. The main trend in this direction is the combination of the capabilities of “water hunting” and CO2. All such traps are equipped with a special tray for water and make it easy to dispose of destroyed mosquitoes. They cost an order of magnitude cheaper than heat traps.
3. CO2 traps . But carbon dioxide is not used only in these traps. Manufacturers of other “anti-mosquito devices” also install it as a bonus on their designs. The simplest carbon dioxide traps are inexpensive. The most stressful thing about working with them is buying gas cylinders! But the photocatalytic method allows us to avoid these problems (we will talk about this in more detail below).
4. UV traps for the home – these traps will protect your family from unpleasant gases and odors. They destroy insects using light. And “light traps” cost quite a bit. Make sure that replacement light bulbs are available in stores in your city or immediately buy several lamps in reserve - these components will definitely come in handy.
5. Propane traps, such as the Mosquito Magnet® mosquito killer. You definitely can’t do without cylinders here. This is definitely not a cheap solution for the street. It is time-tested and enjoys constant popularity among consumers.
6. Natural and homemade traps . Homemade traps are extremely affordable, but not as effective as we would like. However, if you are a fan of ecology and budget solutions, then why not try it?

Best Electric CO2 Traps for Mosquitoes

We have already written that such traps imitate human breathing, releasing carbon dioxide. Well, then they suck the flying insects either into a net or into a receiving container. But where does the gas come from in these devices? There are two options. The most common involves supplying CO2 from a special cylinder. As a rule, these are exclusively outdoor traps. When choosing a trap with a cylinder, remember that the gas should automatically close when the power is turned off.

But the second option is more suitable for us - photocatalytic reaction .

It occurs when UV light comes into contact with certain metals. During the chemical process, a small volume of gas is released, which cannot harm a person, even when used indoors. And insects will sense this volume of CO2 perfectly. Photocatalytic traps are inexpensive, safe and easy to use.

Electric mosquito trap EcoSniper LS-217

This model is loved by users who value the price-quality ratio. Indeed, it is quite inexpensive for a “carbon dioxide” trap.

Can be used both indoors and outdoors. CO2 is released when ultraviolet light comes into contact with the titanium dioxide that coats the trap. Obviously, the level of CO2 that this pendant device emits cannot seriously harm a person. But that’s enough for mosquitoes! In addition, the device destroys wasps, hornets, bedbugs, flies and moths. The device operates on mains power and a 2-meter cord is included with the product.

The effectiveness of gas bait is enhanced by UV illumination. There is also a fan here: and the idea with the “mosquito collector” is implemented very well. When the power goes out, the trap instantly slams shut, and the insects cannot get out to take revenge on you for all the insults they have caused!

Particularly respectable is the declared “coverage area”: according to the manufacturer, it can cope with mosquitoes on an entire acre of land. In metric terms this would be about 4000 m2.

Users have something to criticize developers for. They noted in the instructions that the device can be used indoors “only in large living rooms.” Someone pointed out the lack of instructions for installing the device in the instructions.

But the level of sales of this model suggests that people still “vote” for it. Perhaps they do this because of the availability of the device compared to other CO2 traps.

Price: 2700 rub.

Which manufacturers' traps compete with EcoSniper in this category?

• Tefal Mosquito Protect MN4015F1
• Flowtron Insect Killer BK15ER

Treatment of mosquitoes in a garden, country or household plot

The easiest and most accessible way to get rid of them is to use personal insecticides . This protection option includes treating your skin and all other people who will be on the site. For this purpose, special products with enzymes and components that repel insects are used. One inconvenience in this method is the specific and pungent odor from the insecticide .

An even simpler method for cleaning an area is the use of smoke spirals . They are different. There are some that should only be placed near tents, because they are designed for a small radius of influence. And there are special kits for dachas and country houses. These spirals are capable of repelling swarms of mosquitoes within a radius of 15 m . However, it should be remembered that immediately after the coil burns out, the female mosquitoes immediately begin their attack again.

The best mosquito traps for outdoors

Propane traps are considered the most effective. Propane entering the catalytic burner releases carbon dioxide and moisture. Everything is formed naturally, literally before your eyes. All that remains is to add bait - and the mosquitoes will not fly past. It is recommended to install such traps between the house and the place where insects live permanently. The distance from the house must be at least 4 meters.

How do outdoor propane mosquito traps work?

First, let's figure out how we attract the attention of mosquitoes:

1. CO2 : Humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, which is the strongest natural attractant for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes smell it at a distance of 20 m and rush to their source. The result is bites, itching and a ruined weekend.
2. The warmth and smell of the human body. It is known that body thermoregulation is a constant process that leads to sweating and heat removal from the surface of the skin. Sweat is eliminated through sweat glands located throughout the body. We may not notice it, but mosquitoes sense everything and fly to the smell.

Thus, the main task of propane traps is to divert the attention of mosquitoes from humans and attract them to the trap. How is this possible? By releasing CO2 and using special baits for the trap. Mosquitoes die quickly without water, so they don’t have long to live in a trap!

It is recommended to install the device between the house and places such as a lake, pond, swamp, etc. Remember the distance to the house is at least 4 m! Provided the device is positioned correctly, it will serve as a barrier between insects and people.

Remember! The most important thing is to start the propane trap at the right time! Turn them on early in the mosquito season and you will have a better chance of interrupting the mosquito reproductive cycle and reducing the number of mosquitoes on your property.

Pros of propane traps:

• In addition to mosquitoes, they catch midges and other biting insects.
• Many models perform a number of tasks: they emit CO2, emit heat, i.e., they imitate the life processes of the human body and thus attract more mosquitoes.
• You can choose a wired or wireless model.
• The propane trap is easy to install and use.

Cons of propane traps:

• Propane is quite an expensive consumable (one cylinder will last only 3-4 weeks).
• Propane is not included and must be purchased separately.

When choosing a propane trap, consider its capacity/coverage area, price, and feeding method. However, you don’t have to bother yourself much with searching. We studied traps from different manufacturers, reviews on markets and sales statistics and selected the best for you.

Mosquito Magnet® Pioneer Mosquito Killer

Executive is the most powerful and expensive (approx. 53 thousand rubles) model in the Magnet family. The remaining models - Independence, Patriot, Defender and LIberty - are much cheaper.

Users report a significant reduction in the number of mosquitoes. For people with allergies, this trap may be the only possible way to eliminate mosquitoes. It is also important that this is a wireless device – it is powered by rechargeable batteries.

Otherwise, this is a typical high-end trap. What disadvantages do users note? First, it requires a lot of maintenance (like any other trap): replacing propane tanks, cleaning the tank, keeping the unit weatherproof, etc. Also, according to many customers, the material of the device leaves much to be desired: they expected something more than plastic.

Price: 30,000 rub.

Electric trap Flowtron Mosquito PowerTrap MT

Flowtron is also a very famous American manufacturer of traps. Users compare this model with traps from other manufacturers and have noticed that Flowtron is safe, reliable and works better than other devices. Plus, this model uses all sorts of baits to attract mosquitoes: CO2, chemicals, sticky strips, heat generation, flashing lights, suction -> more chances for a big catch!

We found only one minus. Some users are annoyed by the flashing lights of the trap.

Price: 26,500 rub.

Reviews

A very convenient device. There is nothing difficult to use. I attach it to my belt or backpack and go fishing in peace. Lasts all night. I go to bed and set up a tent. Expensive, but effective! I ordered from the online store.

Andrey, Tver

The range is about 5 m, tested several times. But this is quite enough to feel comfortable. We rested in nature with a group, no one was bitten by insects, we didn’t have to use any spirals or smoke bombs.

Sergey, Moscow

Best Mosquito Traps for Home

Formally, a variety of types of “squeaker” traps are suitable for home use. Even some chemical devices can be installed in apartments and rooms. But buyers have already formed a logical connection between the concept of “house trap” and light/heat traps for mosquitoes.

These traps need to be plugged in at all times, but they won't add much to your electricity bills. They use UV light , but they won't disturb even the most capricious children's sleep. The advantages of such devices are their high environmental friendliness and compactness. And also in the ability to kill a variety of flying reptiles. The disadvantages include the relatively high noise level from the fan and constant dependence on electricity. When the power is turned off, insects can easily fly out of some models...

Trap for killing mosquitoes at home Tefal Mosquito Protect

This gadget is very environmentally friendly. To kill mosquitoes, its developers used a small UV lamp that emits white light. The product card indicates that the light bulb can be easily replaced with a new one as soon as its service life expires. The retractable “mosquito catcher” from which you will shake out dehydrated mosquitoes is easy to clean and simplifies the procedure for updating the trap. It’s nice that with it you don’t have to pour out nasty liquids or touch toxic surfaces - and all this at a price that’s reasonable for such gadgets.

Experienced device users specify that they need to be cleaned once a month. The only trouble is that at this moment some mosquitoes may still be moving in mosquito agony. However, the device has other disadvantages. People complain about the loud sound of the fan and the lack of a timer in the model. Reports on its effectiveness also vary. Some write about hundreds of caught creatures, but some were unlucky - only a few from the mosquito family were caught in the trap.

Price: 4000 rub.

You can also use the EcoSniper GF-4 compact trap for your home .

How to choose the right product?

We recommend starting from the following positions:

1.Where will the device be used? Outdoor mosquito traps have all the protection you need from the rain. Stationary models for home do not have such protection, so they can only be used in open spaces on dry days.

2.What area should be free from flying insects? We have both models for a 15 m2 kitchen and productive solutions for installation on a 200 m2 terrace.

3.Are you ready to spend money on consumables for the device? For example, the industrial carbon dioxide mosquito trap Komaram.net KRN-5000 PRO operates over an impressive area of ​​4,000 m2, but it must be connected to a carbon dioxide cylinder.

It makes sense to study the reviews that mosquito trap owners have left online.

Large powerful outdoor mosquito killers

Flowtron Mosquito PowerTrap MT-275

The most effective and multifunctional trap! This trap doesn't require an outlet: it runs on propane and a small AA battery.

“The SkeeterVac SV5100 has definitely helped reduce the mosquito population, but it doesn't eliminate them all. I have found this to be effective in controlling mosquito populations, especially when used in conjunction with other methods. For example, in addition to SkeeterVac 24/7, I have eliminated all sources of standing water in the yard - since the beginning of April, just in case,” = users say.

True, there are also disadvantages. This trap does not come with a scale indicating the amount of propane inside the tank, and there is no bait either. So you have to keep in mind that a propane tank lasts about 3 weeks and a bait tank lasts about a month.

Price: 32,300 rub.

Tips from users:

1. Clean your trap regularly. The more careful you are with the device, the longer the device will last (on average from 3 to 5 years).
2. Never place a SkeeterVac trap close to where you are, otherwise you will only attract insects to you. The best place for a trap is near a source of running water.
3. When you open the mosquito compartment to check how many insects have been caught, cover it with a transparent lid, otherwise the live insects will fly out.
4. Just because a trap doesn't work doesn't mean it isn't effective. Maybe it's the type of mosquito - change the bait.

Device

A portable mosquito fumigator is a device consisting of several parts. Under the body there is a container for installing a gas cartridge. Opens from the bottom. On top there is a container with grids for installing a plate impregnated with an insecticidal substance. It looks like a walkie-talkie for the military.

Thermacell gas mosquito repeller

On a note!

A mosquito fumigator with a gas cylinder is for sale. A special bag is made for it, which has sections on both sides for storing consumables.

The best water traps for mosquitoes

Most users note the superiority of such devices over light traps. H20 traps are distinguished by the mandatory presence of an open tray with water. Let us remember that mosquitoes lay eggs in an aquatic environment, but drown very quickly in any liquid. So the H20 can be both a decoy and a killer at once. Although most often such traps combine light/water technologies.

Their advantage is that for such models you do not need to buy additional “components”: gas cylinders, attractants, poisons... Well, they are cheaper than their propane counterparts! True, you still need to take care of water traps: for example, add and replace water. And also - to remove victims caught during a shift. And this “mosquito soup” may scare some people with its unpleasant appearance...

Dyntrap Insect Trap, 1/2 Acre Pole Mount With Water Tray

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of such traps using the example of the best seller - Dyntrap Insect Trap, 1/2 Acre Pole Mount With Water Tray. But the leader already costs from 6 thousand rubles. In addition, this is not the smallest sample - it weighs approximately 8 kg. But Dyntrap looks quite stylish - the design of the device resembles some kind of futuristic lamp. According to the developers, one such “flashlight” can protect an area of ​​half an acre from insects. It should work in any weather and not break due to collisions with pets or strong winds. It is important that this trap works “quietly”: it does not buzz or squeak, unlike the samples from the previous section.

Dyntrap Insect trap uses 4 levels of protection at once. The trap attracts mosquitoes to the warm UV light from the fluorescent lamp and releases CO2. The water attracts females who are thinking about breeding, and the fan draws insects into the cage that is already familiar to us. Its contents need to be changed about once every 5-6 weeks.

Users also call it a nice detail that, using the original stand, the trap can be placed almost anywhere.

What exactly are the downsides? Besides the decent price and size, of course? The device also depends on electricity, but consumes very little. It is criticized for not being the most convenient “mosquito collector” and the rapid evaporation of water at hot temperatures (if it rains, the problem goes away). Nature lovers are also annoyed by the fact that the trap can catch beneficial insects: butterflies, bees and beetles.

But, as it seemed to us, many negative reviews were written by people who came for a picnic and decided to free their area from mosquitoes in half an hour. But this is still a thing for constant work. And in a week or two it can really give results.

Price: find out on the market

Cifox

This is a means to combat pests and bloodsuckers. You can use Tsifoks to treat a room, a suburban area, or the banks of water bodies. A drug with a concentrated clear liquid, sometimes with a yellow tint and a specific aroma. It is packaged in containers, the solution is prepared by diluting the product with water in the required proportions until it becomes milky. The active substances paralyze the nervous system of mosquitoes, penetrating the body. The poison causes paralysis and death of insects. After 30 minutes of treatment you will get the desired result. The substance does not have a strong effect on humans and animals, so you can be calm. But for allergy sufferers it is worth choosing a milder option.

Best Heat Traps for Mosquitoes

Heat traps are very complex and expensive. They imitate a variety of signs of human activity. The main attraction in this case is the pulsating heat emanating from the device. An infrared “heat gun” hits a distance of 20 to 50 meters. Hence the record coverage of the area (up to 1.5-2 acres in ideal weather conditions). Many manufacturers add “will-o’-the-wisp” LED lights to the heat gun, which also attract insects, and products that imitate the odor of the human body. All this allows them to raise the price tags for heat traps up to 1000 bucks. Although, of course, you can find cheaper options.

Mega-Catch Mosquito Trap

For example, the thermal combined trap Mega-Catch™ Pro 900 PREMIER Mosquito Trap. This is the simplest trap from the Mega-Catch series. Its price is about 22 thousand rubles, and the working area is 3/4 of an acre (3000 m2). The Premier shoots heat up to 30m and is equipped with a dynamic UV light source. It comes with both a mosquito net and a container with liquid. You can choose how you want to kill mosquitoes. The reliability of the set is indicated by the one-year warranty from the manufacturer. As a bonus to the device, you can use aromatic strips that attract most winged bloodsuckers.

From the photographs it may seem that the Mega-Catch™ Pro 900 PREMIER is huge and heavy, but this is not so. Real users claim that in real life it looks much more compact. True, they also complain about some difficulties in working with the device: its multifunctionality sometimes confuses people... Commentators complain about difficulties with placing and creating baits during “liquid hunting”, as well as confusing timer settings.

However, dozens of users positively assessed the performance of the device and called it a good buy.

Price: find out on the market

Mega-Catch ULTRA Mosquito Trap (MCU-900)

Here is a more advanced and even more complex version of the mosquito killer from Mega-Catch.

It costs as much as 62 thousand rubles. and resembles a killer robot. One and a half acres of coverage, several programmable modes and an adaptive timer, 5 fan speeds and even the ability to self-diagnosis... what's not there! The developers even managed to build a CO2 cylinder into the “Ultra” (supposedly this increased the efficiency of the device by 300-400%). True, the kit comes empty - the cylinder must be filled in your city, because transporting such gas is very, very dangerous. The instructions say that the settings for thermal and light radiation are so fine that the device can be “set” on literally any type of mosquito. There is also a funny “one-button start” function - as if we were looking at a sports car or a supercomputer!

Did the guys from Mega-Catch manage to create the perfect trap for such a high price? Almost! We came across only a few negative reviews. And those in the style of “works well, but you need to buy spare parts too often.” True, there are not so many good reviews: so far not many people have decided to make such an expensive purchase!

Price: find out on the market

Advantages and disadvantages

A gas trap is one of the best outdoor mosquito repellents. Unlike fumigators, which only work for a certain time and are only suitable for indoor use, the gas trap has a longer period of action and is designed specifically for outdoors and large rooms. It is more powerful and has a larger area of ​​influence.

The principle of operation of this street trap is to use bait that copies human breathing. This happens using a carbon dioxide cylinder onto which insects fly. Flying close to the device, they will be sucked in by the fan.

The advantage of choosing this type of insect trap is its optimal performance.

1. Silence . The fan inside the mechanism is so quiet that the human ear cannot perceive it.
2. No smell. Carbon dioxide used as bait does not smell, so this product is hypoallergenic.
3. Tangible result . During the night it can catch up to 1-1.5 thousand mosquitoes.
4. Large area of ​​action.
5. Easy to maintain.
6. The cost of this device will be fully recouped by its long service life and effective performance.
7. Models are produced that do not operate from the mains, but from batteries or an accumulator.
8. The battery power is enough for the entire season.
9. Control occurs at the touch of a button.
10. For convenient storage, the trap has a collapsible design.

The only disadvantage of such a trap is its high cost, but the effectiveness and duration of the result, as well as the durability of such a device, fully justify it.

Work principles

The design of a gas mosquito trap consists of a gas cylinder with carbon dioxide or propane, a thermal heater, a photocell, an attractant (a special agent that copies the smell of a person), a fan and a container where the captured insects fall.

The operating principle of the street trap is based on simulating human breath, which attracts insects. This happens with the help of a gas cylinder, which, when the device is heated, releases carbon dioxide, connecting with the attractant. Flying insects are sucked in by a fan, and they fall into a special bag, passing through an energized mesh along the way.

Inside the trap there is a reducer that maintains a certain level of operating pressure inside the cylinder, regardless of natural conditions.

Most models are equipped with an automatic shut-off sensor that is activated in daylight. At the end of the day, when the level of sunlight decreases, the device automatically turns on again.

A trap with a carbon dioxide cylinder is an effective protection against mosquitoes for the entire season of their activity.

How to choose the right repeller?

The repeller can work with ultrasound or be sonic. If you choose a specific device, then you need to take into account the area in which it will be used. Although a key fob repeller or mobile devices can be used anywhere. To enhance the repelling effect, the correct combination of the type of protection and the power of the device is required. Cost can significantly influence the choice of device. But you don’t need to rely heavily on it, since high cost does not indicate the quality and efficiency of the device.

The most important characteristic of the choice is the operating radius of the device. The main thing is that the device works effectively at the required distance. In this case, there is no specific relationship between price and efficiency. We can only say for sure that the more expensive the device, the more attractive it will be in appearance.

At the same time, it is necessary to understand that the idea of ​​​​using ultrasound against mosquitoes was very popular with numerous dishonest businessmen, who began to manufacture thousands of useless counterfeits for effective ultrasonic devices. Alas, it is almost impossible to really find out whether the device is working or not. Therefore, do not let yourself be deceived and purchase only high-quality mosquito protection devices!

Instructions for use

Thermacell gas fumigator against mosquitoes A portable repellent device can be attached to a belt, backpack, or placed near you. The efficiency of work is not affected by walking or human movement. How to use:

• remove the lower part of the case;
• open the can, insert it into the container, screw it on;
• put the lower part in place;
• push a plate of any manufacturer into the container located at the top and fix it;
• press the button to start the burner.

During operation, a red combustion color is visible in the window located in the upper part of the housing.

On a note!

A prominent representative of a mobile device for mosquito protection is the Thermacell fumigator. Manufacturer – USA, China.

How to use the device correctly?

In order for the electronic mosquito trap to be used with maximum efficiency, the following rules must be observed:

• we place it in the center of the area of ​​space where all bloodsuckers need to be eliminated - this ensures that the actual area of ​​action will correspond to the value specified by the manufacturer in the product specification;
• We provide continuous operation - the device must be turned on all the time when you need to get rid of pests;
• We take into account the biorhythms of animals - mosquitoes are much more active on windless evenings, while flies are more annoying during the day, so most often you should not turn on the device during the day if you only need to protect yourself from mosquito bites.