Hordes of blood thirsty mosquitoes are preventing you from enjoying your garden? Well, that’s easy enough to fix. Just install a mosquito lamp, also called a bug zapper, to quickly control your enemies… or at least that’s what the packaging promises.
You see these lamps in every hardware store and it’s difficult for the avid gadget-loving gardener to resist them: a light that attracts mosquitoes? It just seems too good to be true! And it is too good to be true.
These electronic traps contain black light fluorescent tubes and bare electrical wires (the device is covered with a grid so humans or pets can’t touch the wires). The theory is that mosquitoes will be attracted to the light and will be electrocuted when they come too close.
Ineffective and Dangerous for Beneficial Insects
Unfortunately, studies show that these traps are ineffective in controlling biting insects, as they mainly catch beneficial or harmless insects. One study, for example, showed that only 0.13% of the insects killed were female mosquitoes (and only female mosquitoes bite!). In another study, out of 13,789 insects killed, only 31 were biting insects.
And when you think about it logically, this result is not surprising: other insects (moths, houseflies, etc.) may be attracted to light, but what attracts mosquitoes is the carbon dioxide and water vapor emitted by our breath and the smell of our skin. There is no reason for them to be attracted to a light trap.
Other Solutions
Eliminate standing water and Bti: Removing standing water is the best way to deprive mosquitoes of breeding sites. In addition, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a safe biological larvicide, kills larvae without harming the environment. It can be applied in rain barrels, ditches, or decorative ponds.
CO2 traps: CO2 traps (such as Mosquito Magnet) mimic human breathing to attract female mosquitoes and then capture them. When properly placed and maintained, they significantly reduce the local mosquito population after a few weeks.
Thermacell: Thermacell devices diffuse heated allethrin, creating an invisible barrier that repels mosquitoes up to 20 m². They are ideal for patios or camping, but work best without strong winds.
Skin repellents and clothing: Repellents containing DEET, icaridin, or PMD are effective against bites. Applied to the skin, they offer temporary but reliable protection. Complement with long, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, which reduces attraction. Mosquito nets and fans are also excellent allies.
This text was first published on this blog on July 5, 2015. It has been revised and its layout adapted.
it’s so good
can u write more detail?
ua