Utilizing Mosquito Traps in Hartford to Minimize Bites

Warm weather is upon us, and with that comes the droves of buzzing pests–and itchy, disease-carrying mosquitoes just might be the worst of them. Mosquito Squad is prepared to tackle your home’s pest problems head-on, as we aim to reduce mosquito and tick populations on your property with our traditional and natural mosquito control treatments. However, if you feel the need to take matters into your own hands to ensure you minimize mosquitoes as much as humanly possible, you might find yourself in the business of setting up DIY or store-bought mosquito traps. Our professionals are here to share a few tips and tricks to ensure that these traps are as effective as possible. 

DIY Mosquito Traps

Yeast & Sugar Traps

For a sugar and yeast trap, you will need an empty 2-liter plastic bottle, white sugar (granulated), yeast, water, and a black cloth or handkerchief to serve as a wrap.

After you’ve collected all your materials, start by cutting the top off your plastic bottle–just below the neck of the container. In your 2-liter bottle, mix 4 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of warm water, and ⅓ tablespoon of yeast. 

Flip over the part of the bottle you cut off so that it forms a funnel. Place this piece, inverted, into the open top of your plastic bottle and firmly seal the edges with tape or glue. Finally, wrap the bottle in your black cloth (mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors). Watch the mosquitoes flock to your trap and refill it with sugar and yeast every few days as needed.

Box Fan Trap

Mosquitoes have weak wings, making their flight courses easy to divert with a strong airflow. This is where box fans can come in handy. For this wind trap, all you need is a box fan and a mesh screen. Let’s get started.

1. Attach your mesh screen to the backside of your box fan.
2. Turn the fan on. As air moves through it, it will suck in nearby mosquitoes.
3. Periodically, clean the mesh screen to make sure the backside of your fan does not become blocked.

Voila! It’s that easy, folks. Keep in mind that because mosquitoes are such weak fliers, the wind created by a porch ceiling fan is also a helpful tool against mosquito-derived itchiness and illness this summer.

Stillwater Trap

At Mosquito Squad of Hartford, CT, our experienced professionals are constantly urging our customers to get rid of any stagnant water on their property or reduce any potential rainwater collection or runoff areas. However, this time, we are going to use icky, still-standing water to our advantage and trap those pests! 

It should be noted, however, that this particular trap is effective against only female mosquitoes looking for a place to lay their eggs. This is still helpful, given that female mosquitoes are the only ones that bite. For maximum effectiveness, however, you should pair this trap with another one (or two) and our mosquito control treatments. 

For a stillwater trap, you will need:

• A bucket or large bowl
• Water
• Dish soap or liquid detergent of your choosing

All you have to do is fill your container with water, add a few drops of soap or liquid detergent, and mix gently–without causing an overabundance of bubbles. Set it out in an area where mosquitoes bother you and watch them flock to their own demise.

Store-Bought Mosquito Traps

Outdoor Traps

DynaTrap has a few mosquito traps that customers rated best overall. One, in particular, utilizes not one, not two, but three of mosquitoes’ biggest weaknesses against them. First, the UV light radiates warmth that bugs simply cannot resist. Then, it emits a carbon dioxide trail, drawing them toward a scent. Finally, the small fan inside the trap contains the bugs. These traps cover an expansive area (some cover as much as one acre!) and can be paired with several of the same models to cover your entire outdoor space. They are even okay to use around important pollinators, which is a big bonus in our book!

Indoor Trap

The Katchy Indoor Insect Trap is rated the best overall indoor mosquito trap, utilizing three methods to attract and contain mosquitoes inside. A UV light lures them in, and a vacuum fan sucks them onto a sticky pad. 

Preventative Measures for Mosquito Control

Mosquito traps are a great way to catch any stragglers, but we recommend mosquito prevention as your primary means of fighting these annoying pests. You can schedule recurring protective barrier spray treatments with Mosquito Squad of Springfield, MA, which reduce mosquito populations by up to 85-90% for up to three weeks. Our professionals also recommend keeping your yard and gutters free of standing water, brush, and debris to reduce the probability of mosquito breeding. Additionally, if you have a green thumb, consider growing plants that deter mosquitoes, such as catnip, mint, basil, citronella, lavender, and marigolds. 

No matter how you plan to approach your mosquito control this season, be sure to start with the professionals at Mosquito Squad of Springfield. We offer a free quote over the phone and can get your first treatment scheduled soon. Contact us today!