Not all mosquitoes are disease carriers. In most cases, they’re very annoying and give you painful and itchy bites. That said, with one of the best mosquito traps, you could protect your home and your yard from all of that.
Top 3 - Mosquito Traps
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In this article, you’ll learn about different attractants, how they work, what makes each one better than the other in a specific environment, and so on. Check out my top picks to see how to pick the best trap for you and save money doing it.
Best Mosquito Traps – Non-Toxic Solutions
The Katchy Indoor Insect Trap is an excellent choice if you want to deal with the mosquito issues inside your home. It doesn’t smell or make noise and makes it easy to dispose of trapped insects.
It works best when used away from a light source and close to trash bins. That’s because the lamp uses UV light to attract mosquitoes and fruit flies. So, proximity to a light source could diminish its baiting capabilities.
The device features a small fan. It’s quiet but powerful enough to suck in mosquitoes and other small flyers that get within its range. I also recommend turning it on when the lights are off. That way, the mosquitoes will focus on it as the only light source, and it will be easier to dispose of all of them.
This gadget won’t do anything for inactive mosquitoes like larvae and eggs. It’s also not great at catching house flies.
That said, the lamp is not hard on the eyes since the light it emits is very dim. And, since it’s not a zapper, it’s entirely safe for use in a household with kids and pets.
This bug zapper can be the right one for you if you’re looking for something cheap. It works like any other modern zapper. It uses a soft UV light to attract mosquitoes and other flying insects. When they get close enough to the grid, the trap discharges a 240V electric to kill them on the spot.
You can use this trap indoors, too, because it has zero chemicals and unwanted odors. A plastic grille surrounds the lamp. It makes the electric grid unreachable for human fingers and pet paws.
At the bottom, the lamp has a twist tray that can hold plenty of dead mosquitoes. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only minimum effort. The overall build quality is not bad, seeing as the lamp is made of durable ABS plastic. However, it can still crack if it drops from a high enough place.
The lamp doesn’t use too much power, and you can hang it, as well. It has a small but sturdy metal hanger that you can use to set the lamp out of sight.
If you’re scouring the market for a potent insect killer, the Flowtron BK-15D could be the one for you. It comes in a variety of sizes and different power ratings. However, I recommend this particular model as it provides up to half an acre coverage.
That should be more than enough for small and medium properties. Note that this is a powerful zapper. And, you shouldn’t put it too close to anything flammable, to avoid any possible accidents.
The zapper comes with a 15W bulb and a cartridge that might need replacing once a month. It’s not the most cost-effective solution, but it is a heavy-duty zapper. That said, it is ideal for use in high-humidity areas.
Of course, it doesn’t smell, other than when zapping mosquitoes. Also, it won’t make you inhale any nasty chemical fumes. But, unlike other smaller models, the BK-15D will make a bit of noise. This type of background buzzing may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
What I like the most about this zapper is that it uses two methods to lure in mosquitoes. It makes use of the UV light and the lure inside the cartridge. Hence why it’s so effective and why it has superior coverage.
The Mega-Catch Pro 900 is a very high-tech mosquito trap. This device comes with a stand, a large catch container, and many adjustable settings.
One of the best things about it is that you adjust the stimuli, or the main attractant, to target certain mosquito species. It also features a CO2 gas attractant. That’s very nice as it can increase the catch rate immensely.
However, you don’t have to use the gas attractant system if you don’t want to. Besides, a CO2 cylinder is not in the package.
The working range of the MCU 900 is around 1.5 acres. To say that this is massive would be an understatement. The main attractant is UV light, as is the case in most modern zappers today.
You can also use two trapping methods, either a trapping net or a water container. Both are efficient, although I prefer the former for safety reasons. It guarantees no leaks, unlike the latter.
Due to how large the catch container is, you can leave the MCU 900 unattended for weeks, maybe even months. All in all, the MCU 900 is worth every penny. However, it is rather expensive and might be overkill in some situations.
This trap provides ample coverage, up to half an acre, and uses multiple technologies to lure and trap mosquitoes. The UV light does a good job of luring flying insects in when it’s dark. The fan then pulls them inside.
Note that this is not a zapper. You can also use the device with CO2 as an additional attractant. That said, I don’t think that it will be necessary. I like the simple twist-on design of the catcher and the fact that you get a cleaning brush with the trap. The package also includes a hanging chain.
Because the DT1050 doesn’t zap mosquitoes, it means that it’s a lot quieter. The fan is small, and despite showing plenty of power, it doesn’t make noise. Another thing that I like about this trap is the large catch container.
You can leave it as it is for weeks without checking. The DT1050 is a bit expensive compared to other fan suction traps. That said, the build quality is impressive. The housing is weatherproof and sturdy, so you can easily use this mosquito trap inside and outside your home.
The unobtrusive design is neat, but so is the fact that it’s safe to use just about anywhere. Kids and pets can’t hurt themselves by touching it. And, without it having an electrical grid, the DT1050 can’t start a fire.
What’s one of the best ways to solve your mosquito problem without having to inhale toxic fumes? Using a high-end bug zapper. The Mozart Large Bug Zapper is a very tall model, one that you can set on the table or hang somewhere close by.
It’s a mighty gadget capable of delivering 800V to mosquitoes that get close enough. It features a double mesh grid, which boosts its zapping capabilities and provides plenty of room for mosquitoes to land.
I like that the zapper doesn’t make too much noise and that it uses a targeted UV light to attract pesky flying insects. By using this 365nm wavelength, Mozart doesn’t have to resort to any scented baits or synthetic chemicals.
The gadget is also quite safe, even if you have kids and pets. That’s because the zapper is behind a plastic grid. That prevents easy access and minimizes the chances of electrocution. Another neat feature is the mosquito tray, which you can easily slide out and clean from time to time.
Last but not least, this zapper is weatherproof. That means that it’s long-lasting and that you can keep it even in unprotected areas on your property.
The HAUSBELL Mosquito Killer Lamp can kill all mosquitoes in a room in up to three hours. It’s not loud, and it uses an efficient suction system with 360-degree suction. That means that the placement of the gadget won’t matter much.
This trap also features USB connectivity, which is a big plus in my book. It makes the lamp suitable for many applications, and the lightweight construction makes it more portable. You can use this whether you’re in the comfort of your bedroom or out camping in a tent.
Unlike similar lamps, this one doesn’t use UV light to attract mosquitoes. Therefore, you will have to use a proper lure. If you want it to be synthetic or natural, it is up to you. Just don’t skip the bait. Otherwise, the trap will do little to solve your mosquito problems.
The gadget also features a rather spacious tray. Twist it and remove it to dispose of dead mosquitoes. I recommend against unscrewing the plate for the first two or three days after you’ve started using the lamp.
The MCU 900 Alpha is a reliable mosquito trap, one that you can use indoors and outdoors. Unlike other similar models, it doesn’t have a standard tray-like catcher. Instead, it has a catch bag, which means that the capacity is considerably higher.
However, the catch bag won’t be as convenient to clean as a standard tray. The MCU 900 Pro Alpha relies on two technologies to attract mosquitoes faster and from further away. First, it uses UV LED lights to attract flying insects.
Secondly, it features a heating element. Increased heat also attracts mosquito populations. The device uses about as much as a 20W bulb. It’s one of the more power-efficient models of Mega Catch’s lineup.
The trap stands on four legs for extra stability. Although it also comes with a hanger ring, I recommend using it as a tabletop or bookshelf trap. The exterior casing effectively prevents pets and kids from getting at the electrical grid. Thus, there’s no risk of getting zapped.
Another thing I like is the weatherproof power supply. It doesn’t have the longest cord, and you’ll have to buy the extension separately. But it still makes the trap much more suitable for outdoor use.
Designed to provide up to 300sq.ft of coverage, the DynaTrap DT150 is one of the best mosquito traps for outdoor use. It’s also reasonably quiet, even though I wouldn’t recommend it for indoor use.
The trap is simple and requires no expensive attractants. It also doesn’t use electricity to zap mosquitoes. That’s why it’s so quiet.
The attractant it uses is odorless. However, because the catch container features mesh walls, the dead mosquitoes and other trapped insects may start to smell after a few days. That said, the catch container should have enough room to keep a two-weeks catch before it needs cleaning.
Due to its bigger and sturdier hanger, the DT150 works better when hanged. And, because it doesn’t have an electric grid, you can hang it anywhere. You can place it on a wall, a tree, or an outside light source that regularly attracts swarms of mosquitoes.
What makes the DT150 perhaps most efficient is the titanium dioxide-coated surface. It helps release extra CO2 to simulate human breath and attract more mosquitoes.
Suction Mosquito Traps
The suction trap is one of the most popular types of mosquito traps nowadays. It uses a small and often quiet fan that pulls in mosquitoes and other small flying insects, sending them directly into a catch tray or container.
While the fan is still working, no insects can escape because the trap is continually pushing in the air. Suction traps can rely on a large number of lures and attractants.
Some use UV lights, and others use synthetic or organic attractant cartridges. In some low-tech versions, you can place bait inside the catch container to draw mosquitoes close enough to the fan.
Mosquito Zappers
Zappers are perhaps the most widespread mosquito traps. That’s because they’re relatively cheap, easy to use, and they also kill mosquitoes fast.
These traps often use either CO2 cartridges, UV lights, or a combination of the two to attract mosquitoes. Some models may also feature small heating elements too. That said, manufacturers don’t pair this type of bait luring technology with zappers often.
Zappers tend to be louder than other traps. And, they sometimes pose a bit of a fire hazard too. Nonetheless, they’re very efficient.
What’s essential in zappers is to have sufficient safety features. The most important one, in my opinion, is a protective casing around the electrical grid.
With a durable and thin enough mesh or fence surrounding the grid, you can reduce the risk of electrocution for kids and pets.
Weatherproofing
If you’re buying an outdoor mosquito trap, you need some weatherproofing. Either on the trap or the power supply. Whether the trap is a zapper or not, chances are some electrical components will be exposed.
That can be a big problem in windy and rainy conditions.
Types of Attractants
I usually recommend staying away from CO2 attractants for an indoor-only mosquito trap. Although the emissions are small, it’s still not the safest solution.
You should also know that these attractants come in different forms. There are CO2 cartridges that contain propane. The propane is then converted via combustion and released to mimic human breath and attract mosquitoes.
Traps can also release CO2 by heating certain special coatings. They can do it via a heating element or from the UV lights, provided they’re hot enough.
UV lights are the most versatile. These can also be calibrated to specific wavelengths and can target only certain species.
I often prefer them because they’re odorless and take full advantage of nighttime conditions.
Drawbacks of Using Mosquito Traps Instead of Synthetic Insecticides
As you can see, not all mosquito traps kill their catch immediately. And, even zappers don’t kill all flying pests.
The thing you need to understand about mosquito traps is that they don’t take care of existing larvae and eggs.
That said, what you can do with mosquito traps is catch enough of them to reduce the population growth. Use them long enough, and you should be able to stop the breeding cycle.
Depending on how severe your mosquito problem is, this could take a few weeks, even if you only use the traps indoors.
Pricing Concerns
While most mosquito traps aren’t that expensive, there are some long-term concerns. Mosquito traps that rely on CO2 cartridges and those that use natural or synthetic bait attractants will eventually need replacing.
Some manufacturers may offer affordable mosquito traps but expensive replacement cartridges. You should take this into account when selecting a trap. It’s also worth looking into how often you will have to replace them.
Benefits of Using Mosquito Traps
Setting aside some of the negative aspects, using a mosquito trap often brings more advantages than disadvantages. First of all, you’ll seldom need to use toxic chemicals to attract and kill mosquitoes.
Insecticides, even those that kill on contact, can sometimes penetrate foliage. That can alter the taste and toxicity of some plants. That’s why it’s sometimes challenging to find the right mosquito killer for your yard.
Mosquito traps are also safer for humans and animals. Organic mosquito killers are not as efficient as their synthetic counterparts. Therefore, homeowners often have to resort to an aggressive killer formula to solve their problems and prevent future infestations.
Quality traps feature smart construction. Humans and animals can’t come in direct contact with the electrical grid, get inside the container, or touch the fan.
Where to Place a Mosquito Trap for Maximum Effect
If you don’t have a mosquito trap that emits UV light, then place the trap near a light source. The light irresistibly attracts mosquitoes, so they should come close enough for it to suck them in or zap them.
When using UV mosquito traps, you can place them wherever you want. Just be sure that you turn them on and turn off other light sources.
To maximize the efficiency of an indoor mosquito trap, you can place it on your nightstand. This way, both you and the trap will lure mosquitoes. And, if you have a suction trap, this will allow you to sleep in relative silence while pulling the flying biters from your head.
Whatever you do, you should always keep a mosquito trap at least one foot off the ground. Hip height or head height should be enough for both indoor and outdoor use.
Take the Non-Toxic Route
Unless you live in an area where mosquitoes are the biggest insect predators, chances are one or two mosquito traps will be more than enough. I recommend using a trap if you’re scared of introducing toxic chemicals into your home.
The mosquito traps in this article are all efficient, albeit some more suitable than others in specific scenarios. Using the tips in this article, you should be able to make the right choice once you figure out the most infested areas on your property.