A mosquito trap is a device designed to attract and reduce the mosquito population. Most traps use chemical attractants and it is, therefore, important to note that different mosquitoes respond differently to attract ants. Experiments should first be done to find the correct combination of stimuli as just buying any mosquito trap could be ineffective. The Asian Tiger mosquito (transmits yellow fever) for example, bites during the daytime and responds best to visual attractants than chemical attractants. Continuously running a mosquito trap is important as it can take up to three months to kill sufficient female mosquitoes to reduce mosquito populations.

Carbon Dioxide Mosquito Traps.

These traps produce similar emission to gas exhaled by humans. Propane fuel, which is used, is converted to gas. The fuel is highly flammable and the traps are expensive to buy. Once mosquitoes get close to the trap, they are captured by fans, forced into catch basins and eventually die. The traps can malfunction due to clogged lines and air build up between the propane tanks and traps. The Mega-Catch Ultra Mosquito trap, for example, can reduce a mosquito population of over 1000 in two weeks. It performs well near mosquito breeding grounds.

Light and Heat Traps

These traps produce different infrared and UV light frequencies to attract mosquitoes. The heat imitates the body temperature of a mammal, giving the insects the illusion that they are about to bite on one. Mosquitoes become sensitive to the light frequencies and are zapped when they approach the trap. The traps can be used both outdoors and indoors. For example, the Dynatrap Ultralight Mosquito Trap is affordable, small, portable and snares mosquitoes over a wide environmental area. It uses UV light to generate heat and small levels of Carbon dioxide then vacuums the insects inside. It is mostly hanged indoors but can be used outdoors in favorable weather conditions.