CO2 emitters to ward off mosquito's - works?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effectiveness of CO2 emitters, specifically propane and vinegar/baking soda models, in reducing mosquito populations. Participants note that while these emitters attract mosquitoes by mimicking animal exhalation, their effectiveness is limited to small areas, such as screened porches. The conversation emphasizes the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, such as standing water, as a more effective control method. Additionally, it is highlighted that high concentrations of CO2 can be lethal to mosquitoes, but this approach is impractical for general use.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mosquito behavior and attraction mechanisms
  • Familiarity with CO2 emitter technology
  • Knowledge of effective mosquito control methods
  • Awareness of environmental safety regarding gas concentrations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effectiveness of propane CO2 emitters for mosquito control
  • Investigate vinegar and baking soda as alternative CO2 sources
  • Learn about UV attractors and bug zappers in pest management
  • Study methods for eliminating mosquito breeding grounds
USEFUL FOR

Homeowners, pest control professionals, and anyone seeking effective mosquito management strategies will benefit from this discussion.

rolerbe
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Anyone have practical experience with the propane (or vinegar/baking soda) CO2 emitters which purport to reduce mosquito problems? End of biting season for this year, but would like to have an effective approach for next year.
 
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Oops. This should be in the product claims sub-forum, but I don't know how to move it there.
 
Mosquitoes use CO2 from animal exhalations to find their prey, so it seems logical that it would work. I would need more data to assess it in more depth other than saying that it seems feasible.
 
The emitters work in conjuction with UV attractors and bug zappers to more effectively attract the mosquitos.

On the other hand, if you fill a room with 50% CO2 gas, the mosquitos will die.
 
Yeah, they don't ward them off, they attract them to the bug zapper (the lights mostly attract moths, not mosquitoes).

How well they work really depends on how many mosquitoes you need to control. If you have a limited area you need to control mosquitoes (like a screened porch where you just want to kill the few who sneak in the doors), it's probably going to work, but if you're trying to attract every mosquito in the neighborhood to the zapper instead of to you, that's probably wishful thinking.

Important things for controlling mosquitoes mostly involve getting rid of their breeding grounds...standing water. Change the water in bird baths daily, make sure there aren't any buckets or old tires or flower pots collecting water that is just sitting, keep pools properly chlorinated, stuff like that.
 
mugaliens said:
The emitters work in conjuction with UV attractors and bug zappers to more effectively attract the mosquitos.

On the other hand, if you fill a room with 50% CO2 gas, the mosquitos will die.

Interesting, how would that effect an adult person ?
 
yaang said:
Interesting, how would that effect an adult person ?

Adult will die much earlier.

At this moment adding more carbon dioxide is a waste of gas, as mosquitoes are no longer a threat.
 
Thanks for the heads up
 

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