| FAQ -
What makes the Mosquito MagnetŪ your only
choice for controlling biting insects?
American Biophysics Corp. has been manufacturing effective surveillance
equipment tested by the USDA and other government agencies using our
patented Counterflow TechnologyŪ for almost a decade. In consulting with
these agencies we developed the only environmentally friendly,
effective, biting insect trap for consumer use. The Mosquito MagnetŪ
does not require the use of pesticides.
What attracts biting insects to us?
Our breath. Carbon dioxide (CO2), moisture, and heat that result from
exhaling lets the female mosquito know that there is a blood meal in the
area. She will navigate to you by following the plume of CO2.
How does the Mosquito MagnetŪ work?
Mimicking human breath, a warm, moist carbon dioxide plume is produced
from LPG (Barbeque) gas to attract the blood seeking insects. As the
biting insects approach the source, they are vacuumed into a net where
they dehydrate and die. The Mosquito MagnetŪ can also use octenol, which
enhances the catch rate for certain species of mosquitoes and is
irresistible to Midges and Sandflies.
Which biting insects will the Mosquito MagnetŪ
capture?
Female blood seeking insects such as Mosquitoes, Midges and Sandflies.
Will the Mosquito MagnetŪ capture bees, moths,
butterflies, ladybugs or other beneficial insects?
No. Only blood seeking insects have receptors in their maxillary palps
(mouth parts) that can sense the carbon dioxide in your breath.
Non-blood seeking insects, without these receptors, are not attracted.
Where should I place the Mosquito MagnetŪ?
We recommend that you place the Mosquito MagnetŪ where the mosquitoes
rest and breed not near people. (The Mosquito MagnetŪ is an attractant
not a repellent). When placed correctly the Mosquito MagnetŪ will draw
the Mosquitoes, Midges and Sand flies to it and away from you. For more
information go to placement.
How soon will I see a difference in my yard?
The Mosquito MagnetŪ will begin trapping female egg laying Mosquitoes,
Midges and Sand flies immediately when placed correctly in your yard.
Depending on the degree of infestation you should begin to see a
difference within a few days. Within 4-6 weeks the mosquito breeding
cycle will be interrupted, drastically reducing the population in your
yard.
Is it possible to dramatically reduce the biting
insect population in an area?
Yes. 90% of the mosquitoes biting you live within 90 metres of you. The
other 10% are blown in by strong winds. (Most mosquitoes do not
migrate.) They cannot detect the carbon dioxide in your breath beyond 90
metres. As the egg laying females are trapped, the following generations
are eliminated, thereby interrupting the breeding cycle in that area.
This usually occurs after 4 to 6 weeks of continuous use.
How many mosquitoes can I expect to capture?
The quantity of mosquitoes caught varies greatly, depending on your
region's infestation level and how it is placed on your property. In
tests in the Florida Everglades (high infestation) 1,500 were captured
in one night. In more urban areas, catch results may be much less. A
good yardstick is "Am I being bitten?".
What maintenance is necessary to keep the
Mosquito MagnetŪ running effectively?
A standard 9 kg. LPG (Barbecue Gas) bottle should be replaced every 3
weeks. The mosquitoes will quickly repopulate if the Mosquito MagnetŪ is
turned off. The net should be emptied when it is half full.
What other fuel can be used to run the Mosquito
MagnetŪ?
Any combination of propane and butane can be used, including pure
butane. Natural gas cannot be used.
Is the Mosquito MagnetŪ cost-effective?
Yes. One standard 9 kg. bottle of LPG will run the Mosquito
MagnetŪ continuously for 3 weeks. The new Mosquito MagnetŪ Liberty &
Defender consume no more electricity than an electric clock.
When can the Mosquito MagnetŪ be turned off?
The Mosquito MagnetŪ should run continuously to catch both day- and
night biting Mosquitoes, Midges and Sand flies, or when it is too cold
for these insects.
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