The “Mosquito Magnet” is a relative recently marketed suction trap powered by propane. The manufacturer states that biting midges (Culicoides spp.) and mosquitoes are attracted to this trap by the production of carbon dioxide, moisture, and heat (all byproducts of propane combustion) supplemented by a packet of octenol. A study was initiated to determine if single Mosquito Magnet traps in residential backyards could consistently reduce coastal Culicoides populations in the panhandle of Florida. Generally, all traps collected large numbers of Culicoides throughout most of the year. Reduction level in backyards was not consistent, but greatly fluctuated, and appeared to be affected by seasonal population levels as they related to time of year.
Species 1: Diptera Ceratopogonidae Culicoides spp
Keywords: trap, biting midges
Back to Ten-Minute Papers, Section D. Medical and Veterinary Entomology
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