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| Mosquito Traps Are Not Magic – But they DO work |
| You don’t have to live in Siberia, where we tested the SkeeterVac heavily, to know that mosquitoes, midges, and biting flies can make life miserable. Many recreational and work activities have been ruined by the constant annoyance and irritation caused by their bites. Also, some species transmit diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, Ross River Virus, Murray Valley Fever, Barmah Valley Virus, filariasis and encephalitis [St. Louis encephalitis (SLE), Western Equine encephalitis (WEE), LaCrosse encephalitis (LAC), Japanese encephalitis (JE), Eastern Equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV)] to humans and animals. Most mosquitoes don't travel more than 50 meters in their life-time, but some can travel several kilometers to get your blood. Mosquito Control There is no easy or cheap solution for completely managing mosquitoes. (The total annual budgets for mosquito control in the United States Exceeds $200,000,000.) Unlike most insects found around homes, these biting pests are persistent outdoor pests (they have been around a few million years longer than we have) and there are limits to what can be done to minimize their abundance. Nonetheless, there are measures that can give substantial relief. There are four main strategies involved in a maximum blood sucking pest control program. These are: mosquito traps, mosquito larvae control, use of organic, natural, effective mosquito repellents, and proper maintenance of the area where you wish to control mosquitoes. Mosquito Traps and how they work Mosquito traps DO capture many female mosquitoes and other biting flies and insects and they do so in an environmentally safe manner without exposing humans and animals to dangerous pesticides. They are also much less expensive than pesticides over the long term. The real question is whether they will protect your area? Mosquito control traps have been available since the 1990’s. They are scientifically designed, sophisticated devices employing computer and thermo-electric technology and they have been tested by entomologists all over the globe in hundreds of independent studies. Research on improving their effectiveness continues every day. The world’s best mosquito control trap is Blue Rhino's SkeeterVac®. All mosquito control traps use the same approach: A powered propane or CO2 system creates heat, moisture, and carbon dioxide, which mimics the body temperature and exhalation of humans and animals. But SkeeterVac has consistently proven in our independent tests in the heart of Siberia that it can and will attract and trap up to 100% more mosquitoes and biting/blood sucking insects than other mosquito control trap in the world, including the Mosquito Magnet. Mosquitoes can feel CO2 from a distance of about 30-35 meters. As they are attracted to the general area of the trap by the CO2 and SkeeterVacs exclusive UV motion lighting system, they detect the smell of the Octenol lure, which is an irresistible chemical scent for many biting insects. Then, sensing the heat and moisture signal that represents a mammal, as well as seeing the powerful contrasting pattern FlightGuide, the biting insects zone in on the trap where they are captured by a sticky glue pad (TacTrap), or sucked in by a vacuum and caught in a screen trap. Either way, they will dehydrate and die. How effectively a mosquito trap will successfully trap and kill blood sucking pests in your area depends mainly upon four factors: 1. The size of your area, 2. The environment, 3. Weather conditions, and 4. The location of the trap. What to expect and how long does it take to work? Many people think that mosquito traps will eradicate the mosquito population in a week. These expectations are extremely unrealistic and it is easy to understand why these people are disappointed with their purchase of a mosquito trap. Mosquito traps are NOT MAGIC. A good trap is your best and first line of defense, but other methods should be employed with your trap for the best method of mosquito control. Nonetheless, it is impossible to completely control mosquitoes, even with the use of dangerous pesticides, and you need to realize that no matter what you do, there will always be some mosquitoes. First, your mosquito trap must be given time to allow it to attract and capture most of the female mosquitoes in your area. Also, people don’t always realize that the traps must be operated 24 hours a day – seven days a week, in order to kill all the various species of biting insects that feed at different times of the day and night. After 10 to 15 days you will see a reduction of over 50% of the female mosquito population. Within the following 15 days, the system will attract and capture the mosquitoes, midges, and flies that hatched from the eggs that were laid on the first 10 to 15 days. After six to eight weeks several generations will have been destroyed, resulting in an interruption in the breeding cycle and a reduced number of trapped insects. People who continue to use their trap and other control methods past this 6-8 week period are always very happy with the results. Mosquito Trap Placement Where your mosquito trap is placed should be your most important consideration. The best mosquito trap, placed in the wrong area, will catch few mosquitoes. The trap should be placed at least 10 meters from any area where people gather. The trap should be between the area where people are going to be and the main source of the mosquitoes. The trap should be placed in a shady area near taller grass or plants. The trap should be as close as possible to the source of mosquitoes (forested area, swamps, ponds, lakes, or standing water). The trap should be upwind of the mosquitoes. Remember, you are trying to attract the mosquitoes to the trap before they perceive you because mosquitoes will always be more attracted to people and animals than they are attracted to the trap. The more people you have in an area, the more CO2 they are going to produce. If you have a large crowd, they will produce more CO2 than the trap and its effectiveness will be lessened. In such situations (with large groups of people), if you have more than one primary source of mosquitoes (several ponds or lakes or a dense area of forest), or if you have a property line that borders an area that harbors mosquitoes (such as a river), you may need 2 or more traps. In these conditions, you should place one trap every 45 meters. If mosquitoes are coming from two or more sides of your property, you will need at least 2, and perhaps 4 mosquito traps. Once you place your trap, monitor the catch rate weekly. Remember that mosquitoes are more prevalent right after a rain, and then decrease in numbers until the next rain, when another hatch of the same or different species may occur. If you are not catching many mosquitoes after a week of placement, move the mosquito trap to another location. Even a meter or two can make a difference. CO2 is heavier than air, so do not place it in a depression. Your trap(s) can not possibly kill all mosquitoes present, but it will make your outdoor life much more tolerable and continue to reduce the population over time. When used with the additional methods outlined below, you can make almost any area virtually free of the blood sucking insect nuisance by the start of the second season. Additional Mosquito Control Methods As mentioned above, mosquito traps can't do it all. Here are two more important ways to maximize your mosquito trap's effectiveness and become free of mosquitoes faster. Biological Mosquito Control You can greatly increase your CO2 mosquito traps effectiveness by using B.T.I. Bricks. These 5cm floating bricks contain bacillus thuringensis, which is consumed by the mosquitoes’ larvae and then kills them. These bricks are used in places where mosquitoes breed such as: swamps, ditches, creeks, ponds, lakes, bird baths, unused swimming pools, flower pots, rain barrels, old tires, and any other place where water collects. One BTI briquette containing bacillus thuringiensis controls mosquito larvae for 30 days on 30 square meters of water surface, regardless of water depth. Use ¼ brick for small surfaces up to 2 square meters, and ½ brick for surfaces from 3-15 square meters. You can also pre-treat areas known to flood after a rain by staking down a brick every 30 square meters. REMEMBER, mosquitoes will lay eggs in any place there is even a small amount of water! Eliminating every possible source of standing water on your property is vitally important to your mosquito control efforts. BTI is non-toxic and is completely safe and harmless to children, pets, and the environment but it is not approved for use in water that people may drink. Environmental Control -- Breeding Site Reduction The most effective way to reduce the number of mosquitoes around homes, businesses, resorts, and neighborhoods is to find and eliminate their breeding sites - standing water. The adults of many mosquito species remain near their breeding site. However, a few species can travel long distances, even up to several kilometers. Because of this, problem mosquitoes may come from breeding sites some distance away. Regardless of recent weather patterns - wet, dry, warm, or cool - there are always plenty of potential places in which mosquitoes can develop. A neglected bird bath, swimming pool, or clogged rain gutter can produce hundreds of new mosquitoes in just a few days. Trees uprooted by storms leave soil depressions that collect seepage and rainwater. Large areas of standing water, such as swamps, ponds, lakes, and slow- moving streams or ditches may require special efforts. However, there are effective steps that individuals can take to minimize mosquito breeding on their property: 1. Dispose of old tires, buckets, aluminum cans, plastic sheeting or other refuse that can hold water. Empty accumulated water from trash cans, boats, wheel barrows, pet dishes, and flower pot bottoms. If possible, turn these items over when they are not in use. 2. Clean debris from rain gutters and unclog obstructed downspouts. Clogged rain gutters are one of the most overlooked breeding sites for mosquitoes around homes. Remove any standing water on flat roofs or around structures. Repair leaking faucets and air conditioners that produce puddles for several days. 3. Change water in bird baths and wading pools at least once a week and keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated. Ornamental pools can be aerated or stocked with mosquito-eating fish. Aeration / water movement helps because mosquitoes prefer quiet, non-flowing water for egg-laying and development. 4. Fill or drain ditches and swampy areas and other soil depressions and remove, drain, or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar or sealant to prevent accumulation of water. Eliminate standing water and seepage around animal watering troughs, cisterns, and septic tanks. Be sure that cistern screens are intact and that access covers fit tightly. 5. Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days. 6. Stock lakes with mosquito-eating fish. |
| Mosquito Swarm |
| ©2005 - 2010 Steven G. James, All Rights Reserved |
Australian Capital Territory Mosquito Species Distribution
TERRITORY PEST SERIOUS
SPECIES PEST/DISEASE
PRESENT SPECIES
PRESENT
New South Wales 28 16
Victoria 16 9
Queensland 32 13
South Australia 15 8
Western Australia 20 8
Northern Territory 20 9
Tasmania 5 3
Primary Viruses and major locations
• Ross River Virus Townsville
• Murray Valley Fever Swan Hill
• Barmah Valley Virus Barmah
• Dengue Fever Townsville
• Encephalitis and Malaria are also present and it is estimated there are several hundred cases of each that go unreported each year.
PRIMARY PEST AND DISEASE VECTOR SPECIES
(Extreme problem species are identified by an “*”. The more “*”, the more that species is a problem.)
**Aedes aegypti: (QLD) currently found only in Queensland, although previously present in NSW, NT and WA. The vector of dengue viruses
and a major nuisance biter. see "Aedes aegypti" Fact sheet. (Photo).
Aedes aculeatus: (northern NSW, southern QLD) a rare species, only collected from coastal regions north of Port Stephens. Breeds in shallow
depressions. Bites humans but vector status unknown. (Photo).
Aedes alboannulatus: (all states) a commonly collected mosquito, particularly early or late in the mosquito season. The larvae are found in
bushland ground pools and creekline rockpools. Can be a pest in bushland areas, but not known to transmit arboviruses. (Photo).
Aedes albopictus: ASIAN TIGER not yet established in Australia but has been introduced on a number of occasions to NT, WA, Qld and NSW.
An important pest species in Asia and other areas of the world where it has become established (northern, central and southern America, and
Africa and Europe). A secondary vector of dengue viruses. (Photo).
*Aedes alternans: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, WA) see "Aedes alternans" Fact sheet. (Photo).
Aedes australis: (NSW, southern QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA) very common along coastal areas where it breeds in littoral rock pools (especially
on sandstone) above the high tide mark. Rarely bites humans, except in eastern Tasmania where it is a significant pest. (Photo).
Aedes bancroftianus: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, WA) common mosquito in inland regions, and can be a nuisance after flooding or extensive
rain. Several viruses including Ross River & Barmah Forest have been isolated from this mosquito, but it is not known if it can transmit virus to
humans. (Photo).
**Aedes funereus: (northern NSW, NT, QLD) breeds in brackish groundpools, often in areas associated with Aedes vigilax. Can be a serious
pest biter in and close to mangroves but tends not to fly far from these areas. Ross River & Barmah Forest viruses have been isolated from
this species. (Photo).
Aedes gahnicola: (NSW, QLD) a reasonably uncommon mosquito that breeds in leaf axils. Adults can be a pest near the breeding source. No
information is known as to its ability to transmit arboviruses. Very similar in appearance to Aedes kochi. (Photo)
**Aedes lineatopennis: (northern NSW, NT, QLD, northern WA) rarely collected and mainly from coastal areas. Breeds in transient, rainfilled
grass pools. Known to be a vicious biter of humans but unlikely to be a serious vector in NSW since it is uncommon. (Photo).
***Aedes normanensis: (northern NSW, QLD, NT, northern WA) this is a common mosquito in drier areas of northern Australia where it can be
a major pest after seasonal rains. Several viruses have been isolated from this species including Ross River, Barmah Forest and Murray
Valley Encephalitis. Breeds in temporary groundpools. (Photo).
***Aedes notoscriptus: (all states) see "Aedes notoscriptus" Fact Sheet. (Photo).
Aedes palmarum: (NSW, QLD) often found breeding in fallen palm fronds. Known to bite humans, but usually only close to breeding sites.
Vector status unknown. (Photo).
**Aedes procax: (NSW, QLD, VIC) a common species in coastal regions and breeds in bushland groundpools. Can be a minor pest close to its
breeding area, and Ross River & Barmah Forest viruses have been isolated from this species. Vector status unknown. (Photo).
Aedes rubrithorax: (NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, WA, VIC) more common in coastal areas than the inland. It breeds in a variety of groundpools and
creekline rockpools. Can be a pest in or near some bushland areas. Vector status unknown. (Photo).
**Aedes sagax: (NSW, QLD, SA, VIC, WA) a large mosquito from inland regions, and can be a major pest after flooding in summer and
autumn. Ross River virus has been isolated from the species; it has been shown to be capable of carrying Murray Valley Encephalitis virus in
the laboratory, although its vector status in the field is unknown. (Photo).
**Aedes theobaldi:(NSW, QLD, SA, VIC) see "Aedes theobaldi" fact sheet. (Photo).
**Aedes vigilax: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, WA) see "Aedes vigilax" fact sheet. (Photo).
*Aedes vittiger: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC) see "Aedes vittiger" fact sheet. (Photo).
Aedes sp. Marks’ no. 52: (NSW, QLD) collected occasionally from coastal locations. Has been found breeding in semi-permanent ground
pools. Adults are known to bite humans, but it is unlikely to be a significant vector.
*Anopheles amictus: (NSW, NT, QLD, northern WA) the larvae breed in a variety of groundpools. Several arbovirus including Ross River has
been isolated from this species in northern Queensland, and it is a suspect malaria vector. Similar in appearance to Anopheles hilli (Photo).
*Anopheles bancroftii: (northern NSW, NT, QLD, northern WA) an extremely dark mosquito in appearance, and collected only from northern
Australia. It breeds in shaded, heavily vegetated permanent water. Bites humans and is a suspected vector of malaria. (Photo).
Anopheles farauti: (NT, QLD, northern WA) this 'species' is actually a complex of different but morphologically indistinguishable species
(known as 'sibling' species) with Anopheles punctulatus. The group is widely distributed across northern Australia and is a major vector of
malaria in Papua New Guinea, but the relative efficiency of the different sibling species in Australia is unknown. The species breeds in semi-
permanent ground pools, but also occasionally containers. (Photo).
*Anopheles meraukensis: (NT, QLD, northern WA) found across northern Australia and breeds in a variety of ground pools and grassy swamp
margins. Readily bites humans, and although several arboviruses have been isolated from this species, its vector status is unknown (Photo).
*Coquillettidia linealis: (NSW, QLD, SA, VIC) see "Coquillettidia linealis" Fact Sheet. (Photo).
***Coquillettidia xanthogaster: (northern NSW, NT, QLD, WA) a very distinctive mosquito of orange appearance. Larvae breed in swamps,
lagoons and creeks. This species is a major pest in many parts of northern Australia. Susceptible to Ross River infection in the laboratory
although vector status is unknown. (Photo).
**Culex annulirostris: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, WA) see "Culex annulirostris" Fact Sheet. (Photo).
**Culex molestus: (NSW, TAS, VIC) see "Culex molestus" Fact Sheet. (Photo).
*Culex quinquefasciatus: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, WA) see "Culex quinquefasciatus" Fact Sheet. (Photo).
Tripteroides atripes: (all states) collected occasionally from both inland and coastal regions, this species breeds in both natural (tree hole) and
artificial containers. Can be a nuisance pest in some rural areas, but vector status unknown. (Photo).
Tripteroides magnesiana: (NT, QLD) a small attractive tropical mosquito which breeds in treeholes. The adults will bite humans although it is
not known to transmit any agent of disease. (Photo).
TERRITORY PEST SERIOUS
SPECIES PEST/DISEASE
PRESENT SPECIES
PRESENT
New South Wales 28 16
Victoria 16 9
Queensland 32 13
South Australia 15 8
Western Australia 20 8
Northern Territory 20 9
Tasmania 5 3
Primary Viruses and major locations
• Ross River Virus Townsville
• Murray Valley Fever Swan Hill
• Barmah Valley Virus Barmah
• Dengue Fever Townsville
• Encephalitis and Malaria are also present and it is estimated there are several hundred cases of each that go unreported each year.
PRIMARY PEST AND DISEASE VECTOR SPECIES
(Extreme problem species are identified by an “*”. The more “*”, the more that species is a problem.)
**Aedes aegypti: (QLD) currently found only in Queensland, although previously present in NSW, NT and WA. The vector of dengue viruses
and a major nuisance biter. see "Aedes aegypti" Fact sheet. (Photo).
Aedes aculeatus: (northern NSW, southern QLD) a rare species, only collected from coastal regions north of Port Stephens. Breeds in shallow
depressions. Bites humans but vector status unknown. (Photo).
Aedes alboannulatus: (all states) a commonly collected mosquito, particularly early or late in the mosquito season. The larvae are found in
bushland ground pools and creekline rockpools. Can be a pest in bushland areas, but not known to transmit arboviruses. (Photo).
Aedes albopictus: ASIAN TIGER not yet established in Australia but has been introduced on a number of occasions to NT, WA, Qld and NSW.
An important pest species in Asia and other areas of the world where it has become established (northern, central and southern America, and
Africa and Europe). A secondary vector of dengue viruses. (Photo).
*Aedes alternans: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, WA) see "Aedes alternans" Fact sheet. (Photo).
Aedes australis: (NSW, southern QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA) very common along coastal areas where it breeds in littoral rock pools (especially
on sandstone) above the high tide mark. Rarely bites humans, except in eastern Tasmania where it is a significant pest. (Photo).
Aedes bancroftianus: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, WA) common mosquito in inland regions, and can be a nuisance after flooding or extensive
rain. Several viruses including Ross River & Barmah Forest have been isolated from this mosquito, but it is not known if it can transmit virus to
humans. (Photo).
**Aedes funereus: (northern NSW, NT, QLD) breeds in brackish groundpools, often in areas associated with Aedes vigilax. Can be a serious
pest biter in and close to mangroves but tends not to fly far from these areas. Ross River & Barmah Forest viruses have been isolated from
this species. (Photo).
Aedes gahnicola: (NSW, QLD) a reasonably uncommon mosquito that breeds in leaf axils. Adults can be a pest near the breeding source. No
information is known as to its ability to transmit arboviruses. Very similar in appearance to Aedes kochi. (Photo)
**Aedes lineatopennis: (northern NSW, NT, QLD, northern WA) rarely collected and mainly from coastal areas. Breeds in transient, rainfilled
grass pools. Known to be a vicious biter of humans but unlikely to be a serious vector in NSW since it is uncommon. (Photo).
***Aedes normanensis: (northern NSW, QLD, NT, northern WA) this is a common mosquito in drier areas of northern Australia where it can be
a major pest after seasonal rains. Several viruses have been isolated from this species including Ross River, Barmah Forest and Murray
Valley Encephalitis. Breeds in temporary groundpools. (Photo).
***Aedes notoscriptus: (all states) see "Aedes notoscriptus" Fact Sheet. (Photo).
Aedes palmarum: (NSW, QLD) often found breeding in fallen palm fronds. Known to bite humans, but usually only close to breeding sites.
Vector status unknown. (Photo).
**Aedes procax: (NSW, QLD, VIC) a common species in coastal regions and breeds in bushland groundpools. Can be a minor pest close to its
breeding area, and Ross River & Barmah Forest viruses have been isolated from this species. Vector status unknown. (Photo).
Aedes rubrithorax: (NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, WA, VIC) more common in coastal areas than the inland. It breeds in a variety of groundpools and
creekline rockpools. Can be a pest in or near some bushland areas. Vector status unknown. (Photo).
**Aedes sagax: (NSW, QLD, SA, VIC, WA) a large mosquito from inland regions, and can be a major pest after flooding in summer and
autumn. Ross River virus has been isolated from the species; it has been shown to be capable of carrying Murray Valley Encephalitis virus in
the laboratory, although its vector status in the field is unknown. (Photo).
**Aedes theobaldi:(NSW, QLD, SA, VIC) see "Aedes theobaldi" fact sheet. (Photo).
**Aedes vigilax: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, WA) see "Aedes vigilax" fact sheet. (Photo).
*Aedes vittiger: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC) see "Aedes vittiger" fact sheet. (Photo).
Aedes sp. Marks’ no. 52: (NSW, QLD) collected occasionally from coastal locations. Has been found breeding in semi-permanent ground
pools. Adults are known to bite humans, but it is unlikely to be a significant vector.
*Anopheles amictus: (NSW, NT, QLD, northern WA) the larvae breed in a variety of groundpools. Several arbovirus including Ross River has
been isolated from this species in northern Queensland, and it is a suspect malaria vector. Similar in appearance to Anopheles hilli (Photo).
*Anopheles bancroftii: (northern NSW, NT, QLD, northern WA) an extremely dark mosquito in appearance, and collected only from northern
Australia. It breeds in shaded, heavily vegetated permanent water. Bites humans and is a suspected vector of malaria. (Photo).
Anopheles farauti: (NT, QLD, northern WA) this 'species' is actually a complex of different but morphologically indistinguishable species
(known as 'sibling' species) with Anopheles punctulatus. The group is widely distributed across northern Australia and is a major vector of
malaria in Papua New Guinea, but the relative efficiency of the different sibling species in Australia is unknown. The species breeds in semi-
permanent ground pools, but also occasionally containers. (Photo).
*Anopheles meraukensis: (NT, QLD, northern WA) found across northern Australia and breeds in a variety of ground pools and grassy swamp
margins. Readily bites humans, and although several arboviruses have been isolated from this species, its vector status is unknown (Photo).
*Coquillettidia linealis: (NSW, QLD, SA, VIC) see "Coquillettidia linealis" Fact Sheet. (Photo).
***Coquillettidia xanthogaster: (northern NSW, NT, QLD, WA) a very distinctive mosquito of orange appearance. Larvae breed in swamps,
lagoons and creeks. This species is a major pest in many parts of northern Australia. Susceptible to Ross River infection in the laboratory
although vector status is unknown. (Photo).
**Culex annulirostris: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, WA) see "Culex annulirostris" Fact Sheet. (Photo).
**Culex molestus: (NSW, TAS, VIC) see "Culex molestus" Fact Sheet. (Photo).
*Culex quinquefasciatus: (NSW, NT, QLD, SA, VIC, WA) see "Culex quinquefasciatus" Fact Sheet. (Photo).
Tripteroides atripes: (all states) collected occasionally from both inland and coastal regions, this species breeds in both natural (tree hole) and
artificial containers. Can be a nuisance pest in some rural areas, but vector status unknown. (Photo).
Tripteroides magnesiana: (NT, QLD) a small attractive tropical mosquito which breeds in treeholes. The adults will bite humans although it is
not known to transmit any agent of disease. (Photo).