Martha Stewart Said These Mosquito Traps Really Work
And coming from a thirst trap, she should know!
It's mosquito season... and even here in Texas - they can get nasty.
Sometimes no matter how many candles you light, or how much spray you douse yourself with, those buggers still find a way to bite.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model Martha Stewart has been hard at work vetting different mosquito traps vetted by pest control experts, and she came up with 3 that actually work. They are also all do-it-yourself, so it won't break the bank.
Check them out below!
Mosquito Trap with Yeast & Water
According to Timothy Wong, the technical director of M&M Pest Control, creating a mixture of sugar, yeast, and water is an effective method for trapping mosquitoes in and around your property. "After a few hours, the yeast releases a continuous stream of carbon dioxide, which mosquitoes find highly attractive," explains Wong.
To make your own mosquito trap, follow these steps:
- Take an empty plastic bottle and cut off the top, just below the neck.
- In the bottom part of the bottle, combine a solution of sugar and yeast. For a 2-liter bottle, mix 1 cup of warm water, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/3 teaspoon of yeast. Adjust the amounts accordingly if using a smaller bottle.
- Flip the top portion of the bottle upside down to create a funnel shape.
- Place the top part of the bottle onto the bottom part, ensuring it forms a secure seal. You can use tape or glue to hold the funnel in place and seal any gaps or openings around the edges.
- Wrap the entire bottle with something black, leaving the top uncovered to allow mosquitoes to enter. This will create a dark environment both inside and outside the trap, which attracts the mosquitoes.
- Remember to refill the trap with fresh yeast and sugar every few days to maintain its effectiveness.
Mosquito Trap with a Box Fan
If you happen to have a box fan lying around your house, you can put it to good use for trapping mosquitoes, according to Ian Williams, the BCE technical services manager at Orkin. "Most mosquito species are not strong fliers, so even a moderate amount of wind can hinder their ability to reach you," explains Williams. "By using an overhead fan on a porch or strategically positioning a box fan to blow away from the area you want to protect, you can significantly reduce mosquito bites." When mosquitoes approach the back of the fan, the airflow will draw them in, effectively trapping them.
To create your own mosquito trap using a box fan, follow these steps:
- Attach a mesh screen to the back of the box fan.
- As the fan propels air forward, it will create a suction effect that draws in nearby mosquitoes.
- Remember to remove and clean the mesh screen on a weekly basis to ensure that trapped mosquitoes do not block the back of the fan. This will maintain the effectiveness of the trap.
By repurposing your box fan in this way, you can help keep mosquitoes at bay and enjoy a more mosquito-free environment.
Mosquito Trap with Stagnant Water
Stagnant water, which mosquitoes are attracted to, can actually be used to your advantage if approached correctly, explains Wong. "Soaps and detergents are surfactants that lower the surface tension of water," he says. "When mosquitoes attempt to land on the water's surface to lay their eggs, the reduced surface tension prevents them from staying afloat, causing them to drown."
However, it's important to note that this method is only effective for certain types of mosquitoes. Wong clarifies, "Only female mosquitoes that have already fed on blood actively seek out stagnant water to lay their eggs. So, if you're considering using this method indoors, be aware that most mosquitoes will bite before getting caught." Therefore, it's crucial to minimize any stagnant water sources in and around your property, unless you intend to use them specifically to trap mosquitoes.
To create a mosquito trap using stagnant water, follow these steps:
- Take a bowl or bucket and fill it with water.
- Add a few drops of soap or liquid detergent to the water and gently mix it, avoiding excessive bubbling.
By utilizing this technique, you can take advantage of mosquitoes' attraction to stagnant water while helping to control their population.
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