DynaTrap and a big pile of dead mosquitoes

9 Ways We Can Wage War Against Mosquitoes—and Win!

Mosquitoes are nasty creatures. They bite, they transmit terrible diseases to people and pets, and from what we learn, they have no redeeming value in the ecosystem.

An insect on an arm

Mosquitoes with bodies full of blood extracted from human skin

In this world, there are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes, causing about 500 million cases of mosquito-borne diseases annually, resulting in at least 2.7 million human deaths every year. Mosquitoes spread yellow fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, Rift Valley fever, Chikungunya virus, and West Nile virus.

If that’s not reason enough to hate them, they can turn a beautiful backyard, deck, or patio into a nightmare area not fit for humans during mosquito season. But it doesn’t have to be that way, provided you are diligent in taking control of your home and property.

1. Mosquito trap

When I discovered we’d be dealing with mosquitoes here in northern Colorado, my research led to purchasing a DynaTrap mosquito trap. It worked reasonably well for us for about five years. Not perfectly, but it helped.

And boy do I have good news! DynaTrap has been highly improved. This year we upgraded to DynaTrap DT1260. I can clearly see the differences: No water tray that requires constant refilling, no glass elements to break when knocked over by a high wind gust, absolutely quiet, and many times more effective.

This insect trap is engineered for 3-way protection. First, the special UV-producing light bulb generates a warm light, attracting insects.

Then a second lure, an exclusive Ti02 titanium dioxide-coated surface of that bulb, produces harmless CO2, which mosquitoes find irresistible (no wonder they love you so much—you emit CO2, too).

Third, a powerful, whisper-quiet vacuum fan sucks insects into the retaining cage, where they dehydrate and die.

DynaTrap is definitely not a traditional bug zapper. No sizzle noises, odors, or other annoyances. I give DynaTrap two thumbs up and five stars, too.

I plugged in the new DynaTrap and, 24 hours later, opened the morgue. I was flat-out stunned. And in a very good way. The pile of dead mosquitoes was inches deep. The catch basket appeared to be nearly full and in just the first 24 hours! We enjoyed an almost-mosquito-free evening on our patio, and it was awesome.

The manufacturer states that this DynaTrap needs at least 5 weeks to trap enough mosquitoes to make an impact and 8 weeks to break the breeding cycle. Maybe there is such a thing as a 100% mosquito-free backyard, deck, and patio? 

I carefully inspected to see what we trapped in the initial 24-hour period, and while there were a few moths, wasps, and flies, mosquitoes won the highest population prize. Honestly, it looked like at least a million of those little critters in that catch basket! Check the photos above. It was absolutely mind-boggling.

In addition to mosquitoes, DynaTrap is also effective to trap biting flies, house flies, sand flies, blow flies, drain flies, flies, moths, no-see-ums, june beetles, wasps, yellow jackets, stink bugs, gnats, and biting didges.

I find this most current DynaTrap to be far more effective given my visual inspection than the original model of this machine. So I give DynaTrap DT1260 two thumbs up and five stars, too.

The operative aspect of this machine is the lightbulb that emits CO2 and blue UV light.

Here’s the deal: The bulb must be replaced every four months to remain effective, even though it will appear to be still working. It must be replaced. That means we will need to replace it once to get 8 months of service, which covers mosquito season in most U.S. states.

At the cost of about $10 per bulb, I find this to be a reasonable solution for a huge, nasty, annoying problem.

 

Costco Members: Costco has stocked many of its warehouse clubs with an excellent DynaTrap model. Or check Costco.com where you will see two DynaTrap models, one of them currently on sale. Not a member? You can join here and get a free $10 Costco Cash Card to welcome you.

  • READ: Mosquitoes have an appetite for certain things over others

2. Smoke ’em out

According to the EPA, coffee grounds are a safe and effective way to keep pests away. The smoke from burning used ground coffee is especially effective in sending mosquitoes away because they are seriously repelled by the smell, which to humans is quite subtle. So remember this outdoor trick for your new summer barbecue.

Mosquito and Coffee

Start with completely dry, used coffee grounds. Place the grounds in a bowl or other flat surface lined with foil and light them with a match, the way you would incense. Add a few fresh bay leaves to amplify your repellant. Set the containers(s) upwind to get the scent moving.

Can’t get your coffee grounds to light? Watch this video.

 

3. Commercial repellent

It is important to make sure mosquito repellent is applied to any exposed skin during mosquito season. Repellents that contain Deet, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 are the most effective at warding off mosquitoes. Pregnant women especially should choose a repellent with Deet.

Health officials recommend Sawyer Picaridin, Natrapel 12 Hour, and Off! Family Care Insect Mosquito Repellent I as being the best at keeping the mosquitoes at bay.

 

4. Natural homemade repellent

Mix 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil for every 10 parts witch hazel. Rub or spray on skin.

5. Night protection

If you are spending an evening outdoors, make sure to have adequate mosquito-repellent candles and torches (don’t forget fuel) nearby.

6. Plant lavender

Plant lavender with abandon. It’s easy to grow, produces a beautiful flower, and smells fantastic! Even better: mosquitoes hate it and will stay away from it.

7. No standing water

This is where mosquitoes breed by the millions. Birdbaths, fish ponds, puddles, flower-pot drip trays, and dog dishes are prime reproduction grounds.

Empty or drain as much water as possible. If you can’t drain a water source, try pouring a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil on top to deny access to mosquitoes and larvae.

CAUTION: Do not pour vegetable oil into fish ponds; it inhibits oxygen flow and can kill the fish.

8. Mosquito Bits

It’s not always possible to clear all swampy areas where water accumulates. That’s when you need to know about Mosquito Bits to annihilate the larval population quickly. Corn cob granules coated in Bti, the Bits do not last long but provide a punch, turning water black with larvae to a clear pool void of future mosquitoes.

 

9. Clean yard

Keep your yard clean and your vegetation under control. Mosquitoes prefer densely vegetated areas where they are protected from sun, wind, and rain. Keep your lawn well-trimmed and clear out piles of brush where moisture can accumulate. Rake up leaves and dispose of them when they start accumulating.


First published: 7-9-18; Updated 6-16-21

Everyday Cheapskate participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

 


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8 replies
  1. Kathy C says:

    Do you have a glass bottle to mix the esencial oil mosquito repellent or will lighter weight plastic due for traveling on a plane?

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Pure essential oils are very powerful. They need to be stored in airtight containers made of glass. Due to the strength of the oils, plastic containers can break down over time, causing damaging leaks and the loss of your oils. Suggestion: Pack the essential oil in its tiny glass bottle, then make up the repellant when you get to your destination

      Reply
  2. Trina D. says:

    After reading your article, Mary, I went to buy a Dyna Trap but I read that the company says to use 20-30 feet away from people, yet it only has a 10 foot cord! Since our outdoor outlet is 5 feet from our eating area, this defeats the purpose! How do you manage? Do people run extension cords out into their backyards?

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      If you don’t have an outlet that will work, yes an extension cord will solve the problem! It does not create heat (like a space heater), so using an extension cord rated for outdoor is perfectly safe.

      Reply
  3. Farmer Brown says:

    Mosquitoes are a critical part of the food chain. It has taken me 5 years to bring my farm back to any kind of balance after it was sprayed from the air for mosquitoes following Hurricane Harvey. The damage done to my cattle and subsequent calf crop is just winding down now. With everything in a good balance on the farm, the mosquito eaters…birds, bats, frogs, dragon flies, etc., devour so many of the little beggars that it takes very little for me to remain relatively unbothered by them, although going off-farm, even a short distance, can result in me being attacked unmercifully. Balance in Nature is everything, Mary.

    Reply
    • Mary Hunt says:

      Farmer Brown, I would argue that it was not the absence of mosquitoes but the presence of a pesticide that threw things out of balance for your cattle.

      Reply

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