mosquito magnets: do they work?
toomuch
18 years ago
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toomuch
18 years agolast modified: 9 years agoskeptigirl
18 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Mosquito Magnets
Comments (9)Sorry about the late response. I bought a "Mosquito Magnet" Defender model last summer for my residence. Here's the GOOD NEWS: on my lawn, the colorful, sophisticated, quietly-purring Mosquito Magnet (MM) served as a terrific conversation piece for passers-by. Postal letter carriers, package and daily newspaper deliverers, campaign candidates, neighbors, walkers, joggers, ect. were universally fascinated by the gadget. It resembled, at once, something very exotic -- such as a mechanical pet robot or an Andy Warhol-like, artistically-painted, lawn ornament. Consequently, I became much more acquainted with my neighbors and other unknowns who stopped to inquire about the strange contraption. The NOT-SO-GOOD NEWS is that the costly MM confirmed my worst fears: It totally under-performed. After 6 weeks of ownership the MM had trapped fewer than 100 mosquitoes. Unlike some owners complaints, my MM always started and operated as advertised. The problem arose from the reality that it didn't catch many insects. Throughout the summer, I experimented with relocating the MM around my yard and chemical attractants -- with similar disappointments. Frustrated, I plucked the device into the most infested area of the property, reasoning that it had to at least trap blood-suckers -- even if it didn't significantly reduce the general population. Result???: A few hapless mosquitoes wandered to their deaths, but certainly no more than I could have swatted myself in about 10 minutes. I carefully maintain the MM according to the manual, used attractants, and regularly consulted with MM service reps -- all to little avail. Ironically, insects appeared somewhat interested in the MM, as I observed flies, mites, and mosquitoes hoovering around and crawling over the appliance. I suspect, like my neighbors and others, they were fascinated by the machine, too!!! Also, the MM is not inexpensive to operate. It requires electricity 24/7 along with refills of propane, chemical attractants, and C02 cartridges every 21 days. Meanwhile, I now totally understand why the nursery sales person where I bought the MM was evasive when asked about the nursery's return policy on the MM. She coyly explained that the nursery had sold literally dozens of MMs with no returns! When pressed, however, she conceded that the manufacturer (American Biophysics Corporation) no longer accepted returns from dealers and required individual customers to directly contact ABC. That should have been my second clue: My first being the "Love 'Em," "Hate 'Em" electronic bulletin board divisions about the MM! I think the MM is a great idea, but the science and technology isn't quite there to support it -- yet. To date, scientists and manufacturers simply don't know enough about mosquito behavior to design, mass produce, market, and sell safe, reliable, affordable, and ecologically-friendly mosquito exterminators. Now, can anyone tell me how to avoid the embarrassing snickers from my neighbors for buying such an expensive, well, uh,...lawn ornament??? Really Blue Ace...See Morepondprincess...regarding Mosquito Magnet(m)
Comments (1)My husband, Craig, did the online research about which model we should get. We have a large back yard so we bought the $400 battery-operated one because Craig didn't know if we would need to move it from one part of the yard to another. If we had to do it all over again, we would get the plug-in model since we have left it in one location and it handles the entire back yard. Since we don't spend time and entertain in the front yard, I don't know if we have skeeters out there or not. BTW we got the MM instead of the Mosquito Deleto because we have friends in SC who bought the MD first and it was not at all effective. Then they got the MM and raved about it. It does work! With glee, we are mosquito free!!! Carol...See MoreOK. For the record - Mosquito Garlic Sprays - Do they work?
Comments (2)I haven't replied because I haven't tried mine yet. The thing I don't like about it is that it only is supposed to last 1 day. I thought I was getting something different. If it works, I'll post back....See MoreMosquitos...this works
Comments (27)We live in West Nile Virus part of the country -scared silly of getting it & willing to try most anything. Went out one day with so many dryer sheets tied on me I looked like a scarecrow after a single one didn't faze 'em. Ha! Neither did the ones tucked in my socks, tied to belt loops, wrists & enough strung together to go around my neck! Got up one morning with an eye swollen shut & opposite ear large enough to make me look like I'd lost a boxing match from their hateful bites. Spray on Deet makes me really sick & tried Deet stretchable braclets on my wrist per their instructions but was attacked upper arms. Moved 'em UP & they tried to feast on the lower part! Botanical one (can't recall who makes it) works well for me but lasts only 3 hours or so. For sittin' on the patio a fan turned on high keeps 'em away. I bought a large container of pellet type stuff (looks sorta' like plant food) for birdbaths, pot saucers, etc., and it keeps eggs from hatching without harming pets, birds, etc. (Barely daylight here & won't risk a bite to look right now...will add info to this later.) Cost was about $12. but have used from container for 3 years 'n still have nearly half left -it only takes a few.) Has anyone tried Eucalyptus? Don't live close to places that sell the oil, and am NOT gonna' tie the floral arrangement sprigs of it all over me...from the looks I got wearing those dryer sheets, it's quite likely passersby already think of me as that Nutsy Scarecrow Lady. Suzi...See Moretoomuch
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