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Aug 28, 2023

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:

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:

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:

By utilizing this technique, you can take advantage of mosquitoes' attraction to stagnant water while helping to control their population.

Mosquito Trap with Yeast & Water Mosquito Trap with a Box Fan Mosquito Trap with Stagnant Water
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