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If you're sick of being a snack for a scourge of mosquitoes, it's time to invest in an effective long-term solution.
Nothing ruins a backyard barbecue or bonfire like biting insects, and sometimes mosquito repellent sprays or bracelets aren't enough. During the summer months, layering your protection against mosquitoes is key — so make sure you're wearing a spray in addition to other solutions like candles. If you're looking for something that works for up to an acre of land — perfect for someone who hosts or spends a lot of time outside — and will work to reduce the amount of mosquitoes around overtime, let us introduce you to a propane mosquito trap. If you haven't heard of them, these traps utilize the same propane tanks you use for your gas grill, and it works by converting the propane to carbon dioxide — which is attractive to mosquitoes, because the C02 combined with the warmth of the trap makes them believe it's actually a host. When they get close to the contraption, they are vacuumed into the machine and trapped in a mesh filter or a sticky substance. Done and dusted.
So why would you want a propane mosquito trap? While they are pricier than a lot of traditional methods, this is a long-term solution for serious mosquito problems, and they can kill thousands of bugs in one night. Yep, thousands. Users love them because you can leave them out in your yard and actually cut down the mosquito population over time — most brands recommend you leave it the device out for a few weeks before you plan on hanging outside a lot, and it will kill mosquitoes that would be laying eggs if you hadn't gotten rid of them. That means less mosquitoes overall, which is huge. They're also popular because they don't use any insecticides — just the propane — so it's a pet- and kid-safe solution. If you're willing to fit it into your budget this summer, it could be a great investment, especially if you live in a swampy area or near a body of water.
Homeowners know the struggle of mosquito control, and bug zappers can only do so much. These propane mosquito traps are our picks for a bug-bite free summer.
1. Our Top Pick Overall
Blue Rhino SkeeterVac - Amazon, $542.45
The Blue Rhino SkeeterVac is our top pick for a propane mosquito trap because it has two main features that other options do not: it doesn't require a cord, and it has a time-release option that ensures this will work 24-hours a day. It also requires no tools and a quick set-up, which is another reason this product is a stand-out, as does the quiet and odorless performance. It covers an area up to 1-acre and you'll start to see long-term results in as little as two weeks. To keep it going, just replace the tank when it runs out, replace the trap, and clean the tank. One reviewer writes: "Bottom line....this machine WORKS!! The best of the 3 technologies I have tried and I am thoroughly pleased with the product and results. We have been spending a lot of time in the yard lately and sure, there are a few pesky blood suckers around, but total day/night difference from before."
2. Another Effective Option With Less Bells and Whistles
Amazon
Mosquito Magnet Patriot Plus Mosquito Trap - Amazon, $429.33
This silent trap works a lot like the Blue Rhino but has a 50-foot chord, a slightly more complicated set-up, and doesn't have the time-release option it has. But, if you'd like to save some money and don't mind those things, this is another fantastic option. It's also made-in-the-USA. It'll get rid of all sorts of flying insects in your backyard, and uses a combination CO2 and octenol (a bug attractant) to draw the insects in, where they're then trapped inside. Reviewers say that this one also attracts the elusive Tiger Mosquito, so snag this option if you're in a southern state.
3. A Short Term Option
Black Flag Propane Insect Fogger - Amazon, $74.95
This fogger is the same effective system used by professionals to kill mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile virus. It still kills and repels mosquitoes using propane, but it doesn't have the long-lasting ability of the other options. However, you can use this for five minutes and it will prevent bugs from invading your backyard for up to six hours. It's a great option for an outdoor party, a nice evening dinner outside, and can also be useful in getting rid of a particularly large infestation. This is a great solution if you're not ready to get the larger option — but once you see how effective this is, we suspect you'll want to spring for the larger model.
This piece was last updated in July 2021, and updated in 2022 by Alida Nugent.
NEXT: 6 BEST CAMPING SHIRTS OF 2021 FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
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