The Mosquito Magnet Patriot Mosquito Trap is a bit of an enigma. It is a rather complex, and bulky solution to a rather small insect. It requires a fair amount of both attention (changing everything every 21 days) and expense (more on that to come) and depending on where you place the product it can either be a complete success or a very costly failure. Hopefully, this review will help you decide if this is the right product for you!
Notes-
– The theory is that the Mosquito Magnet attracts and catches so many mosquitos that is interferes with the mosquito ability to reproduce in large quantities which will lower the overall ‘skeeter population in the future.
-Attractant – I did not mention this in the video portion but depending on where you live you will need with the Mosquito Magnet OCTENOL3 Octenol Biting Insect Attractant, 3-Pack if you are in the northern part of the USA or the Mosquito Magnet Lurex3-OD-3 Biting Insect Attractant (3-pack) is you are in the southern portion (especially the Southeast). The Lurex3 is the preferred attractant for the hated Tiger mosquito.
– Placement – You need to place the unit in a spot that has very little WIND even if this spot doesn’t seem close to the mosquitos. This will allow the CO2 and attractant that is admitted to pool underneath the machine in greater quantities. The more CO2 and attractant means the more ‘skeeters you will catch. Now there is one caveat to this…I have hear that the ‘skeeters need a relatively unobstructed view/path to the machine. So it may not be effective to place the Mosquito Magnet in a place that completely protected since the mosquitos may not be able to “find” the unit…. it needs to be in their line of sight. The box states that the Mosquito Magnet is effective for one acre…I am skeptical on that claim.
– Cost – Never-mind the purchase price, the Mosquito Magnet is expensive to own. The propane needs to be replaced every 21 days, a does the attractant. In addition, you will need to buy replacement nets and cleaning cartridges. All told, it is very expensive to maintain. If you find mosquitos to be a minor nuisance you will not find the Mosquito Magnet to be much of a value. However, if your yard is full of mosquitos and especially if you are concerned of the West Nile virus you really may want to consider this unit.
– Other Solutions – Bug zappers are completely ineffective against mosquitos (They are not attracted by light), yard pesticides can be very effective but they are not a very “organic solution” and you can also be a czar in looking for standing water in your yard (this is the breeding spot of mosquitos), however both of these solution only allow you to have an influence on the land that you own.
– As you know – Mosquitoes bites can cause a wide variety of ailments, such as – West Nile Virus, Malaria, Yellow Fever, Rift Valley Fever, and even encephalitis.
Final Verdict – A bit of a mixed bag. I feel that with proper placement (which I still have not found for my yard) the Mosquito Magnet can be a highly effective (albeit expensive) solution for controlling your mosquito population.
4 Stars
Please note that I received this product for reviewing purposes
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