FAQs

Is there any danger to my pets, family or other non-target pests?

The active ingredients in the trap are not toxic to birds or mammals. The biological fungus is only toxic to insects. The larvicide deployed in the trap specifically targets mosquito larvae and is not toxic to higher organisms in this low concentration. For example, in other products, this larvicide has even been approved by the World Health Organization for use in drinking water and is actually being used in many of our local reservoirs. Contaminated females will only spread tiny amounts of larvicide (a few micrograms) to other artificial small water bodies, which limits any risk for other aquatic organisms and fish.

How does the trap attract mosquitoes?

The black color, design, water, and the special organic lure will attract egg-laying females. Note: only the female mosquitoes bite.

Will I see dead mosquitoes in my trap?

It is unlikely to see adult mosquitoes in the trap because the biological fungus takes a couple of days to kill them. The infection takes time because the fungus spores need to penetrate the mosquito skin and grow into her body. In fact, the trap is designed to allow the female to live so she can contaminate other breeding sites in the proximity of the trap, and die afterward. With this solution, the female mosquito does the work for us getting to breeding sources that we can’t access!

What if I see living larvae swimming in my trap?

The larvicide in the trap kills mosquitoes only at the moment they pupate. This means they will die just before they become adult mosquitoes. These dead pupae are often eaten by the larvae and you will not be able to see them in the water. Seeing a lot of live larvae inside the trap is actually a sign that it is working. In fact, the larval odors actually make the trap even more attractive to egg-laying female mosquitoes.

Will the trap be effective for other Mosquito species?

The trap is specifically designed for the biology of the Aedes mosquitoes which like to breed in small containers of water. Other mosquitoes will visit this site and it will be effective to reduce those populations as well. The dissemination effect of the larvicide, however, is specific for the Aedes mosquito, which likes to lay in multiple places. It is very rare that other mosquito species would visit this trap as they typically lay their eggs in larger bodies of water that our county vector control districts manage.

How often does Preventive Pest Control need to service the trap?

This trap needs to be checked and serviced monthly. The water will be topped off and a new larvicide floating patch and attractant will be added. This will ensure that the recommended dosage of both the larvicide and fungicide stays active. We recommend our customers keep the unit active when mosquitoes are at their peak season, from April through November.

Where is the best location in the yard to place my trap?

We recommend placing traps in shaded, vegetated areas, where the mosquitoes are likely to breed. Our licensed technicians will find a suitable location that is ideal to attract the egg-laying mosquitoes. It is not necessary for the trap to be close to the house or patio area to be effective. 1 trap has a coverage area of approximately 400 square meters. For most homes, 1 to 3 traps are sufficient.

I still get mosquito bites, does this mean the trap does not work properly?

Because of the delayed reaction to most mosquito bites, you may have been bitten away from the covered zone of our device. Aedes mosquitoes are thriving throughout our area, meaning you may have been bitten at the store, going on a walk, going to the park, etc. Another factor is allowing the larvicide to be disseminated in the area. In a few weeks, a significant population impact can be expected.

Why do we need this product? Can’t we just spray around our home?

While typical pest control sprays can have some impact on mosquito populations, it is nearly impossible to spray every surface where a mosquito will potentially land and these solutions are only temporary. Aedes mosquitoes are difficult to combat, as they lay eggs in very small water sources. Another thing that makes it increasingly more difficult to control these mosquitoes is that they have become resistant to chemicals used in vector control efforts. That is why a tool like this trap is urgently needed.