CO2 emitters to ward off mosquito's - works?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the effectiveness of CO2 emitters, such as those using propane or vinegar and baking soda, in reducing mosquito problems. Participants explore the theoretical basis for these devices, practical experiences, and their potential role in mosquito control strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about practical experiences with CO2 emitters for mosquito control, expressing interest in effective methods for the next season.
  • One participant notes that mosquitoes use CO2 from animal exhalations to locate their prey, suggesting that CO2 emitters could logically attract mosquitoes, but calls for more data to evaluate their effectiveness.
  • Another participant mentions that emitters work in conjunction with UV attractors and bug zappers, indicating that they attract mosquitoes rather than repel them.
  • It is proposed that the effectiveness of these devices may depend on the area needing mosquito control, with limited areas potentially seeing better results than broader attempts to attract all mosquitoes in a neighborhood.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, such as standing water, as a more effective control strategy.
  • A question is raised about the effects of high CO2 concentrations on humans, with a response indicating that adults would be at risk if exposed to elevated levels of CO2.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness of CO2 emitters, with some suggesting they may attract mosquitoes while others argue they do not effectively ward them off. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall efficacy of these devices in various contexts.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the effectiveness of CO2 emitters may depend on specific conditions, such as the area being treated and the presence of breeding grounds. There is also uncertainty regarding the safety of high CO2 levels for humans.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals seeking solutions for mosquito control, particularly those considering the use of CO2 emitters or looking for alternative strategies to manage mosquito populations.

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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