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What is the best and the most effective mosquito trap: Propane, Ultra Violet, CO2 or H2O Trap?

What is the best mosquito trap? The device should attract mosquitoes with CO2, imitating human breathing. The best option should use a combination of attractants. For outdoors, choose cordless models. Keep in mind that the longer the cord is the more location choices you have. Another aspect to consider is coverage, which is a factor that determines the trap’s efficiency as well. Also, the device should have a rugged construction but not at the expense of more weight and size. It should be easy to move around and carry without assistance. We believe that the Magnet Patriot Plus model fits all these criteria best.

Mosquitoes are among the most annoying enemies of mankind. It’s not surprising that shops offer so many products to eliminate these insects. Manufacturers compete with each other, inventing new and more perfect types of traps. But what is the best and the most effective mosquito trap?

Table of Contents:

We have thoroughly examined all types of traps available, and now we are ready to help you to choose the most effective ones. We will tell you about the best-known manufacturers and the best mosquito killers they make, compare them and learn what buyers think about all these things.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Different Types of Mosquito Traps: The Comparison Chart

Type of trapHow Does It Attract Mosquitoes? /

Where to Use? /

Advantages
Disadvantages
UV By UV light + CO2 + vacuum fan. / Indoors. /

Doesn’t release unpleasant gases and odors.

The relatively high level of ventilator noise and constant dependence on electricity.

CO2

It imitates human breathing, releasing carbon dioxide. /

Both outdoors and indoors. /

Doesn’t release unpleasant gases and odors.
Some models require using CO2 gas balloons (available separately).
H2O It attracts female mosquitoes caring about reproduction. /

Both outdoors and indoors. /

There is no need to use gas balloons or other lures.
You have to change and add water, as well as remove the captured mosquitoes.
Propane It imitates human breathing, warmth and smell of human body. /

Outdoors. /

Large area coverage. Both wireless and wired models are available.
These traps require using propane gas balloons. Only outdoors.
Heat It imitates the warmth of the human body. /

Outdoors. /

Large area coverage.
Expensive.

Best CO2, Propane & UV Indoor Insect Traps

We have already written that these traps imitate human breathing, releasing carbon dioxide. They then pull the attracted insects into a net, or a receiving container. But where is the gas in the device taken from? There are two ways.

The one is the supply of CO2 from a special balloon. The second mode to supply gas is a photocatalytic reaction. It occurs when UV light contacts with certain metals.

During a chemical process, a little gas is released – an amount which is safe for a person, even being used indoors (excluding any extreme conditions). On the contrary, this amount of CO2 will be very sensitive for insects.

Dynatrap Insect Traps family occupies a separate place in the assortment of CO2 – traps. Typically, it includes various devices to eliminate flies, midges, mosquitoes. But the given review is devoted to CO2 devices.

One of the most reliable companies offers 6 kinds of photocatalytic devices to fight mosquitoes: 2 indoor and 4 outdoor traps. Most of these traps may work rain or shine, wet or dry. They are fitted at height with the help of a brand chain (included into the complete set).

The modest model is Dynatrap Ultralight Insect and Mosquito Trap which covers 300 sq. ft. of area. “Elder brothers” are more powerful – they can cover 1000 sq. f., half an acre, or an acre.

1. DynaTrap DT2000XL Extra-Large Insect Trap

This model is preferred by those customers who value the price-quality correlation. Dynatrap may be used both indoors and outdoors. This thing doesn’t require using CO2 gas balloons. Dynatrap releases CO2 due to the contact of UV and titan dioxide which covers the trap.

It is evident that the CO2 amount released by this overhead device can’t seriously harm a person in contradistinction to mosquitoes. Also, the device eliminates wasps, hornets, flies, and moths. The device is operated by Net, and a 7 ft. cord is included into the complete set.

UV backlight enhances the action of gas bait. A ventilator is also included. The idea of the collector for mosquitoes is very effective. If electrical energy ceases, the trap immediately slams, and the insects can’t escape and get their revenge.


DynaTrap DT2030-GRSR 1 Acre Mosquito & Flying Insect Outdoor Trap and Killer – Kills Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Gnats, & Other Flying Insects – Green

Generally speaking, the model Dynatrap DT2000XL looks very much like a water trap from Dynatrap. The only difference is the absence of a water tray and a convenient stand… Why, then, is the price so high?

The coverage zone announced causes much respect: As the sellers of Dynatrap have assured, one “head” like this can manage no less than an acre or 400 sq. m. This amount is two times more than the water model Dynatrap covers. Besides, DT2000XL is two times smaller – it weighs about 9 pounds. What concerns the rating of this product is that it’s slightly less than that of the water trap.

Users lay some claims to the designers. They have noticed that in the instructions there is a postscript made in tiny type. This postscript points out that the device may be used indoors only in large drawing-rooms. Another claim is that there is no guidance on mounting the device.


DynaTrap DT152 Indoor Insect Trap and Killer – Catches and Kills Fruit Flies, Gnats, Moths, Mosquitoes & Other Flying Insects

Jeremy Brown assures that “the size has significance and it …catches mostly moths, beetles, and flies. All the big bugs in there make it hard to accurately count the mosquitoes, but the population doesn’t seem to have declined by any significant amount in my small backyard.” To understand if you need such a trap, read other reviews.

But the high level of sales of this model speak for itself – people choose this trap. Maybe they buy it because it is rather cheap compared to other CO2-traps. Though there are some reviews calling DT2000XL “the best thing in the Dynatrap series.”

Dynatrap Insect Traps:  FIND THE BEST PRICE

Best H2O Mosquito Traps

Most customers stress the superiority of these devices over light Indoor traps. Compared to equivalent products, H20 traps are distinguished by the presence of an open tray for water. Be aware that though mosquitoes lay eggs in water surroundings, they drown in any fluid very quickly. Thus, H20 can lure and kill at a time. Most often, these traps combine light and water technologies.

Their plus is that they need no other accessories: gas balloons, attractants, poisons, their price is lower than that of similar propane products. Though, they do require some care: You have to change and add water as well as remove captured victims. Some dislike the unpleasant appearance of this mosquito “soup”…

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

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of these traps, taking the best seller – Dynatrap Insect Trap, 1/2 Acre Pole Mount with Water Tray – as an example. The trap is not the smallest one: Its weight is 18 pounds, and its length is 17.5 feet. But Dynatrap looks rather stylish – the design of the gadget resembles a futuristic lamp.

According to the words of the designers, the “lantern” like this can protect a half-acre area. It can work in any weather and resist the attacks of home animals and a strong wind. It is important that this trap works almost noiselessly: No buzzing, no creaking, as against the samples described above.


DynaTrap DT1050-AZSR Mosquito, Beetle & Flying Insect Trap – Kills Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Gnats, Beetles Other Insects Protects up to 1/2 Acre

Dynatrap Insect Trap uses four protection levels at a time. The trap attracts mosquitoes thanks to the warm UV light given by a fluorescent lamp, and releases CO2. Water attracts female mosquitoes caring about reproduction, and a ventilator pulls insects into the cage. It is recommended that the contents of the cage be changed about every 5-6 weeks.


DynaTrap DT1050-AZSR Mosquito, Beetle & Flying Insect Trap – Kills Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Gnats, Beetles Other Insects Protects up to 1/2 Acre

Also, users like the original stand which allows placing the trap anywhere.

What are the disadvantages, then, apart from decent price and size? The device consumes energy, but the additional expenditure on electricity won’t make up more than a couple of dollars a month.

Critics point at the collector for mosquitoes which is not very convenient, and the quick evaporation of water in intense heat (when it rains, there is no problem). Also, nature fans don’t like that it also catches useful insects, such as butterflies, bees, and bugs.

It seems to me that many negative reviews were written by tourists who had decided to spare their picnic place from mosquitoes in half an hour. And this thing has been designed for constant usage. To get a better result, it needs a week or two.

Dynatrap Insect Traps:  FIND THE BEST PRICE

Best Propane Mosquito Traps

What do we attract mosquitoes with?

  1. CO2: a person inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide, which is the strongest natural attractant for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes feel the smell of it at a distance of 65 ft. and hurry towards its source. As a result, we have bites, itching, spoiled holidays and work outdoors.
  2. Warmth and smell of human body. It is known that the body’s thermoregulation is a permanent process that results in perspiration and heat emission from the skin surface. Sweat excretes by means of sudoriferous glands located all over the body. We may not notice it but mosquitoes feel everything and fly to the smell.

Thus, the main task of propane traps is to divert the mosquitoes’ attention from a person to a trap. How is that possible? It is necessary for the trap to excrete artificial CO2 and mimic the body’s odors.

Best Propane Traps

We studied different propane traps available on the market in 2019, their customer feedback and sales reports, and have chosen the best ones.

We should say that we couldn’t find only one ideal trap, all the traps have advantages & disadvantages. Their ratings are very much the same. So there is no winner, second or third place – they are almost equal and you can choose the best one for your needs.

3. MOSQUITO MAGNET MM4200B Patriot Plus Mosquito Trap


Mosquito Magnet MM4200B Patriot Plus Mosquito and Flying Insect Trap and Killer - Protects Up to 1 Acre, Black

What makes this device so efficient is the way it attracts mosquitoes. By using a combination of CO2, moisture, and heat, it acts as a powerful lure that no bloodsucker can resist. As if it were a huge human being breathing and sweating heavily. This is not the only benefit, though. Not only is this trap effective in attracting biting pests, but it also boasts a number of operational advantages. You will certainly appreciate its noiseless and odorless operation, with the results visible in a week or so.

Another advantage is the large area it covers — up to one acre, which is more than enough for an average-size garden. A power cord is 50 feet in length, so you can position the trap where it will produce better results. With a weight of about 23 pounds, it has a stable base and a large catch net.

The downsides to this product are that it can be used outdoors only and that you will have to pay extra money for a propane tank as it does not come with the item. However, a major customer gripe concerns the price, with some purchasers noting that $300 is a bit much for a mosquito trap. Still, even those dissatisfied have acknowledged that this model does the job well.

Mosquito Magnet: Check the current price

4. Blue Rhino SkeeterVac SV5100 Mosquito Eliminator, 1+-Acre Coverage

It turns out that this is the most effective and multifunctional trap. It doesn’t require any outlet since it works effectively with propane and a small AA battery to start it up. Blue Rhino SV5100 works better if additional preventive measures are taken.

It takes a few weeks to break the reproduction cycle. Some customers have found this to be an effective device to manage the population, especially when used in concert with other methods to reduce the mosquito population. For instance, in addition to running the SkeeterVac 24/7 from early April through the first frost, they also have made a concerted effort to reduce sources of standing water.


SkeeterVac SV3100 Mosquito Killer, Attractant, Lure, and Eliminator for Backyard Insects - Up to 1 Acre Coverage

But this propane trap is not supplied with a scale showing the amount of propane or bait left. So, you have to keep in mind that a propane tank lasts for 3 weeks, and a bait is enough for about a month.

Tips from customers:

  1. Clean and examine the working efficacy of your trap regularly. The more careful you are, the longer the device serves (on average from 3 to 5 years).
  2. Never locate Blue Rhino SkeeterVac near you, otherwise you will attract insects to yourself rather than the device. The distance between you must be not less than 15 ft. Think over the location of the trap. The best place for the trap is near the running water: “Once I located the unit near the fresh water on the property, the amount of bugs I caught skyrocketed.”
  3. When you open the section with mosquitoes to check how many insects have been caught, cover it with a transparent lid, otherwise the alive insects will fly out at once.
  4. If the trap doesn’t work, it doesn’t mean that it is not effective. Maybe the mosquitoes common in your region are not impacted by the given unit.

Price: Check the current price

5. Blue Rhino SV3100 SkeeterVac Mosquito Eliminator, 1-Acre Coverage


SkeeterVac SV3100 Mosquito Killer, Attractant, Lure, and Eliminator for Backyard Insects - Up to 1 Acre Coverage

Customers have compared the given model with the traps of other manufacturers and noticed that Blue Rhino is “safe, quiet and outdoor-hardy.” Moreover, this model uses all baits you may think of to attract mosquitoes: CO2, chemicals, sticky band, heat emission, blinking lights, absorption method – so you have more chances that anything will shoot! And it works even in Alaska where the mosquitoes are said to use steroids, that is why they are so big! 🙂

Price: Check the current price 

Tips from customers:

  1. This recommendation concerns using any propane trap: Turn it on before you see mosquitoes, it will be your first step on the way of getting rid of mosquitoes. The earlier you turn it on, the fewer mosquitoes you will see later.
  2. Use mosquito dunks as a preventive measure. Put them into stagnant water if you can’t get rid of it at once.
  3. The struggle against mosquitoes will be more successful if you combine your efforts with those of your neighbors.
  4. Don’t let the trap work on empty, change propane tanks in time: “…I replace the propane before it runs out so the units are not running on empty…which seems to be the main problem with these units.”

4 Indoor Insect Traps

Various traps for these squeaky creatures have been designed to be used indoors. Certain chemical devices may be placed in apartment rooms. However, buyers have associated the notion of indoor traps with light/heat traps for mosquitoes.

The sales leaders are products from Flowtron, Dynatrap and other brands. Indoor traps can either be powered via an outlet or USB, and both types have their own advantages.

Electric traps are powerful, they use different techniques for attracting animals and their performance will not affect your electricity bill dramatically. USB powered models are portable, universal and compatible with any device with a USB jack. That is why they can be used both at home and elsewhere, for instance, during a vacation or when camping.

The advantages of all indoor traps are their safety and small size, as well as the ability to kill various flying pests. They use Ultra Violet light, but they won’t disturb the sleep of babies. When using them, there is nothing for you to manually adjust.

All you have to do is plug the trap into an outlet or a socket. The drawback of certain devices can be the relatively high level of ventilator noise.

6. DynaTrap DT250IN Indoor Insect Trap

Cut-rate indoor traps cost from $20 to $50, and more expensive ones cost from $100. In this niche, the best seller is Dynatrap Indoor Insect Trap.

This thermos-sized electric trap removes a great number of flying insects. It attracts and kills mosquitoes, flies, pantry moths and Asian beetles with its triple action. First, the insects are attracted by the warm UV light.

Second, the trap mimics human respiration as it emits carbon dioxide which mosquitoes and other blood-suckers love. When they fly close enough, they are sucked inside by a quiet powerful vacuum fan. The container for trapped insects shuts automatically, so the pests won’t be able to get out and are bound to die of dehydration.


DynaTrap DT160SR Mosquito & Flying Insect Trap – Kills Mosquitoes, Flies, Wasps, Gnats, & Other Flying Insects – Protects up to 1/4 Acre

Dynatrap and its equivalents work best in dark empty rooms. The mosquitoes will fly to the hot lamp more eagerly if there are no other sources of light or warm-blooded beings in the room. However, it is recommended to be turned on 24/7.

According to the manufacturer, this device can cover up to 1000 square feet and the users’ experience proves this true.

Supplies, i.e. UV bulbs are recommended to be replaced once every four months (or 3000 hours of use). The users claim that it is not difficult to replace the bulb as long as you do it after turning the device off.

There is also some negative Dynatrap feedback. Most often, customers complain that they’ve caught nothing. Remember that a number of factors influence the catch rate and you can’t always blame the device. Moreover, some would like to hang the device, but its design does not allow that.

The trap must be installed on a rigid surface away from people. Plug it in to begin. No pesticides are required and no noise will be made. This is a great option for a small house or an apartment.

Dynatrap Insect Traps:  FIND THE BEST PRICE

7. Wanqueen Electronic Bug Zapper Mosquito Killer Lamp

Wanqueen Electronic Bug Zapper Mosquito Killer Lamp: photo

The three key words describing this trap are: “cheap, safe and portable.”  The device attracts the blood-suckers with its UV bulb light and sucks them inside. Your job is to empty the container with dead insects regularly. This trap can work in either the “Mute Mode” or the “Strong Mode.” The former is quiet and suitable for night while the latter is loud and is suitable for the daytime.

Electronic Mosquito Killer Lamp: Check the current price

8. KATCHY Indoor Insect Trap: Bug, Fruit Fly, Gnat, Mosquito Killer – UV Light


Katchy Indoor Insect Trap - Catcher & Killer for Mosquitos, Gnats, Moths, Fruit Flies - Non-Zapper Traps for Inside Your Home - Catch Insects Indoors with Suction, Bug Light & Sticky Glue (White)

Here is a smart mosquito trap equipped with a CCFL cold cathode fluorescent lamp technology and an airflow fan. The UV lamp attracting the mosquitoes with its light offers the most attractive wave length of 365 nanometers.

Its powerful airflow fan with 2000 rpm sucks every insect that flies near the lamp inside a container where it will then die of dehydration.

The device is USB powered. Use it both outdoors and indoors and connect it to a PC, a laptop, a power bank or to an outlet with a help of an adapter.

The built-in smart lighting indicator will turn the device on once it becomes dark, and will turn it off at the crack of dawn and thus will save you a fortune! No manual adjustments are needed, just plug the indoor mosquito trap into an outlet and let it do its job!

Mosquito trap with a CCFL cold cathode fluorescent lamp: Check the current price

9. Faicuk Wall Sconce Fly Light Trap (WS108 Wood Grain)


Faicuk Wall Sconce Fly Light Trap (WS108 Wood Grain)

This hygienic and aesthetic device will kill insects at home or in the office. It can be hung so it does not take up too much extra space. The trap attracts flying insects with an UV light, and then they are stuck to the sticky bottom of the trap.

The main feature is that everything is covered by the device’s plastic case, so you can even use it at home or in the bedroom. To hang it on the wall, you will need two screws and a couple of minutes. This is perfect for those who are looking for a quiet and stylish solution of the age-old problem with mosquitoes in the room.

Sticky trap and killer with UV light: Check the current price

Best Heat Mosquito Traps

Heat traps are quite complex and expensive. They imitate various signs of human vital activities. In this case, the main bait is a pulsating heat emitted by the device. The hitting zone of infra-red “heat gun” is from 20 to 50 meters, which results in record-breaking area coverage (up to 1.5-2 acres under ideal weather conditions).

Many manufacturers combine the heat gun with “wandering” small led lights luring insects as well as remedies imitating the smell of human body. That is why the price for heat traps increases up to 1000 dollars. Though, there are cheaper models. One of them is described below.

10. Mega-Catch Pro 900 Premier Mosquito Trap

Mega-Catch™ Pro 900 PREMIER Mosquito Trap is a heat-combined trap. This is the simplest trap of all Mega-Catch traps. Its operating zone is 3/4 acres. “Premier” shoots with heat at the distance of 100 feet, and it is provided with the source of dynamic UV light.

The complete set includes a net to capture mosquitoes as well as a container with fluid. One may choose this way to kill mosquitoes. The manufacturer provides the product with a one-year warranty, which is evidence of its reliability. Aromatic strips attracting the most of winged blood-suckers are added to the device as a bonus.


Mega-Catch | Premier Pro 900 Series | Outdoor Mosquito Trap and Fly Trap for Sand & Black Flies | Mosquito Killer | Insect Trap | 100 Foot Range

Looking at the photos of Mega-Catch™ Pro 900 PREMIER, you may think that it is huge and heavy. That is wrong. Experienced customers assure that actually, it’s much more compact.

It’s true that they also complain of certain problems caused by the device: Its multi-functionality can sometimes puzzle. Commentators inform that placing and making baits at “fluid hunting” can cause problems, and the settings of the timer are too complicated.

Nevertheless, dozens of users estimate the working properties of the device high and regard it as a profitable purchase.

Mega-Catch™ Pro 900 PREMIERCheck the current price

11. Mega-Catch Pro 900 Ultra Mosquito Trap

This is the version of mosquito catcher by Mega-Catch which has been leveled up and made more complicated. It resembles a robot-killer. The variety of its possibilities includes 1.5 acre coverage, several programmable modes, an adaptive timer, 5 speed ventilator, and even self-diagnostics.


Mega-Catch | Ultra Pro 900 Series | CO2 Mosquito Trap | Outdoor Mosquito Trap | Fly Trap for Sand & Black Flies | Mosquito Killer | Insect Trap | Great for Yard & Patio | Covers 1.5 Acres

Designers have even managed to install a CO2 balloon into “Ultra” (they say it increases the effectiveness by 300-400%). It’s true that the balloon is empty when supplied in the complete set, – you are required to fill it in your own town, considering the dangers of transporting.

The instructions tell that the settings of heat and light irradiation are so fine that the apparatus can be set on any kind of mosquitoes. Also, there is an amusing function “start by one button” – one can imagine that he or she is dealing with a sport car or a supercomputer!

Have the fellows from “Mega-Catch” succeeded in creating an ideal trap at a significant price? We may answer: “Almost.” We have seen only several negative reviews.

What claims have they made on the device? Something like this: “It works well, but requires buying spare parts too often.” However, the good reviews are few: The price “bites.” Are you interested in what users say about this expensive product?

Mega-Catch ULTRA Mosquito Trap: Check the current price

Propane traps are considered the most effective. Once in the catalytic burner, propane releases carbon dioxide and moisture. Everything is made in a natural way, you can observe the process with naked eye.

What is left to do is to add baits, such as Octenol, Lurex3 – and mosquitoes won’t be able to resist the temptation. It is recommended to locate these traps between the house and the insects’ permanent dwelling. The distance from the house must be not less than 15 feet.

Pay attention! Different Biting Insect Attractants and Lures should be used in different regions:

  • Octenol is more suitable for the northern and coastal states of the US and Canada,
  • Lurex3 (attracts aggressive mosquitoes, such as Asian Tiger) – for the southern states, including Hawaii.

Expert Opinion: Mônica Ferreira Moreira, Associate Professor, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Mônica Ferreira Moreira: photo

Mônica Ferreira Moreira, Associate Professor, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Mônica Ferreira Moreira is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She has more than 20 scientific publications on DEET mosquito repellents, the diagnostics of dengue, and other topics related to mosquitoes and related diseases.

“I breed mosquitoes and study the effects of different substances on their biology and bred mosquitoes for tests with LED lights. We ran three experiments with varying intensities and colors of light — yellow, blue and green. The results were distinct. The traps with green light caught most mosquitoes, 19 to 20, the blue light caught 15. This trap is not specific and attracts any insects, flies, bees, stink bugs.”

Mosquito Traps Comparison Chart

As you can see, the market offers a large variety of traps for mosquitoes. So you can choose what you really need. The following summary table will help you.

NB! The scientists warn that traps do catch mosquitoes (which is confirmed by the experiments conducted), but they don’t repel them or decrease the risk of mosquito biting, or break the breeding cycle. They only catch and kill adult mosquito species. Read our article “How to Get Rid Of Mosquitoes” to find out how to stop mosquitoes from breeding and which products will help you reach this goal. Read how to pick a bug zapper.

How Propane Traps Work

Propane using traps produce carbon dioxide and moisture during the oxidation of propane in the catalytic burner. As for the second point, attendant baits such as Octenol, Lurex3 etc. work fine.

Since mosquitoes perish quickly without fluid and survive in stagnant water, the trap sucks them in where they die due to lack of food and dehydration, as they are unable to get out.

It is recommended to set the traps between the house and places where insects inhabit, such as a lake, pond, marsh and so on. The distance from the house should be no less than 15 ft. On condition that the unit is properly located, it serves as a barrier between insects and people.

The most important thing is to make propane traps run at proper time! Turn them on at the very beginning of mosquito season, and you will have more chances to interrupt the reproductive cycle of mosquitoes and reduce their volume at your lawn in the coming weeks.

Pros
  • Besides mosquitoes, they catch midges and other bothersome biting insects.
  • Many models perform a number of tasks: Emit СO2, irradiate heat, sprinkle water, i.e. – mimic the vital processes of human body in any way and thus attract more mosquitoes.
  • Both wireless and wired models are available.
  • Propane trap is easy to set and use.
Cons
  • Propane is rather expensive expendable material (it takes one balloon for 3-4 weeks, so for a season you require 2-3 tanks).
  • Propane tank isn’t included into the set and is sold separately. You have to buy them permanently or re-fill them at a petrol station.

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