Mosquitoes are high tech hunters who can see movement, and detect heat and odors, including CO2, from as far away as 120 feet.   While they are attracted by visual cues (movement/the color black), studies have determined that CO2 is particularly effective against Aedes species – the Asian tiger (Aedes albopictus) and Zika mosquito (Aedes aegypti).   Â
Homemade CO2 Trap
The homemade or so-called ‘Easy Mosquito Trap’ is all over the internet. To make one, all you need is a 2 liter soda bottle cut in half, some brown sugar and some yeast. But does it work? “I believe that I have read at least 200 comments about this type of soda bottle mosquito trap. I have NOT FOUND A SINGLE ONE THAT SAYS THAT IT WORKS.”
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has warned against their use, concerned that people may set up these traps and forget about them. Over time, mosquitoes may use the stagnant water in these bottles to breed. So instead of reducing mosquito populations these homemade traps could contribute to the problem and end up as mosquito breeders.
DIY CO2 Trap That Works!
For anyone specifically targeting Aedes mosquitoes, the use of a CO2 trap, like the Mega-Catchâ„¢ Ultra, is highly recommended.  However, if you have a Pro 900 Premier XC Trap – you’ve got the next best thing!  This particular model CAN be converted or ‘transformed’ into a CO2 Trap. The Pro 900 Premier XC combines all the sophisticated design features of the Ultra Trap, but without the CO2 hardware actually built into the Trap. However, that is easily remedied with an after-market CO2 Upgrade Kit, which when installed, ‘transforms’ the XC to Ultra Trap specifications, making it CO2 capable. The upgrade kit is simple to install, all that’s needed is a Phillips screwdriver and some Loctite medium strength thread locker. Mega-Catch’s™ DIY Video will take you through the process, step by step.