Insect electrocutors (bug zappers) and mosquito trapping devices are 20 th century control measures. Manufacturers modernized 19 th century mosquito trapping devices such as the New Jersey light trap with more "bells and whistles" to improve their appeal to the public. Insect electrocuter light traps have been extensively marketed for the past several years claiming they can provide relief from the biting mosquitoes and other pests in your back yard. Numerous devices are available for purchase that claim to attract, repel or kill outdoor infestations of mosquitoes. They should be thoroughly researched before being purchased.
Other mosquito traps are designed to mimic a mammal (horse, cattle, man and domestic pets) by emitting a plume of carbon dioxide, heat and moisture, which is often combined with an additional attractant, i.e., octenol, to create an attractant to mosquitoes, no-see-ums, biting midges and black flies. After drawing the insects to the trap, a vacuum device sucks the insects into a net or cyclinder where they dehydrate and die. No electric killing grid or pesticides are used.
Scientific data relative to the effectiveness of these devices is sparse so be sure to review all the information available before purchasing one. In addition, some of the mosquito traps are quite expensive. For more information see the AMCA position paper on mosquito traps (http://www.mosquito.org/MosqInfo/Traps.htm).
Space sprays. Mosquitoes used to be killed inside the house by using a flit gun. Household aerosol space sprays containing synergized pyrethrum or synthetic pyrethroids (allethrin, resmethrin, etc.) are available now. The major advantage of space treatment is immediate knockdown, quick application, and relatively small amounts of materials required for treatment. Space sprays are most effective indoors. Outdoors, the insecticide particles disperse rapidly and may not kill many mosquitoes. The major disadvantage of space spraying is that it will not manage insects for long periods of time.
Only insecticides labeled for flying insect management should be sprayed into the air. Best results are obtained if doors and windows are kept closed during spraying and for 5-10 minutes after spraying. Always follow directions on the label.
Other mosquito traps are designed to mimic a mammal (horse, cattle, man and domestic pets) by emitting a plume of carbon dioxide, heat and moisture, which is often combined with an additional attractant, i.e., octenol, to create an attractant to mosquitoes, no-see-ums, biting midges and black flies. After drawing the insects to the trap, a vacuum device sucks the insects into a net or cyclinder where they dehydrate and die. No electric killing grid or pesticides are used.
Scientific data relative to the effectiveness of these devices is sparse so be sure to review all the information available before purchasing one. In addition, some of the mosquito traps are quite expensive. For more information see the AMCA position paper on mosquito traps (http://www.mosquito.org/MosqInfo/Traps.htm).
Space sprays. Mosquitoes used to be killed inside the house by using a flit gun. Household aerosol space sprays containing synergized pyrethrum or synthetic pyrethroids (allethrin, resmethrin, etc.) are available now. The major advantage of space treatment is immediate knockdown, quick application, and relatively small amounts of materials required for treatment. Space sprays are most effective indoors. Outdoors, the insecticide particles disperse rapidly and may not kill many mosquitoes. The major disadvantage of space spraying is that it will not manage insects for long periods of time.
Only insecticides labeled for flying insect management should be sprayed into the air. Best results are obtained if doors and windows are kept closed during spraying and for 5-10 minutes after spraying. Always follow directions on the label.
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