bug zapper recommendations

[Russianwolf]

I'm looking for a big zapper to help reduce the insect population in my yard. With 9 pups, it's hard to keep the bugs out of the house since the door gets opened and closed so much. Does anyone have any recommendations? I like the sound of the reviews this one gets... http://www.northlineexpress.com/item...&kw=5KZ-UV801S

I'm hoping to get one this weekend or order it if I can't find one locally.

Thanks in advance.

[Uncle Cracker]

They don't work well here. Yes, they do kill bugs, but the problem with any light or bait-based system is that, since they attract bugs, they bring the ones from the surrounding property closer, and they tend to replace the ones your trap gets. Net result: no improvement.

[Kristofor]

I recommend one of these http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680870885500701.html

Failing that a bunch of bat boxes.

[MikeMcM1956]

I have used the Stinger brand zappers for over twenty years, well built and they do work. I'll have to look at upgrading to the newer model that has the attracant lure as well. Mine hangs in a tree towards the back of the yard, on a timer to turn on at dusk and off in the morning. You don't want it mounted where you actually are, since it does attract bugs. And it's not instant gratification, it does take a period of days to weeks to 'thin the herd' and reduce the breeders. And yes, it will draw bugs from outside your yard. That just further lowers the breeding population. I have a bayou behind our house, this helps a lot to make the yard more enjoyable during the season. And the sound of another skeeter getting zapped is music to my ears....

Mike

[TheChief]

How about the Mosquito Magnet? Way different approach from a zapper, but it's supposed to capture then eventually mess up mating cycles for many biting insects...

[L. D. Jeffries]

The main problem with the "zapper" kind is that they kill the good bugs along with "some" of the baddies. Main problem i found was that skitters are too small to make a bridge between the grid wires and as a result the main population didn't decrease that much!

[LCHIEN]

hang it over your fish pond, take out the catch tray and watch the fish grow!

[Uncle Cracker]

hang it over your fish pond, take out the catch tray and watch the fish grow!

Strap it on good, or when it falls, watch the fish fry...

[Russianwolf]

How about the Mosquito Magnet? Way different approach from a zapper, but it's supposed to capture then eventually mess up mating cycles for many biting insects...

Won't be able to afford the buy-in cost for many moons. Those things are expensive.

[gerti]

How about the Mosquito Magnet? Way different approach from a zapper, but it's supposed to capture then eventually mess up mating cycles for many biting insects...

They are expensive (both price and consumables), but at least for me they work. As a non-native I never developed a good tolerance for the Minnesota mosquitos, each bite tortures me for 10-12 days. Used to be if I would mow the lawn at 5 pm, I'd end up with at least half a dozen bites. Now with the MM I get that many a season.

To me worth any penny.

[TheChief]

Won't be able to afford the buy-in cost for many moons. Those things are expensive.

The local Sears outlet that's closing has the one-acre models for $144. As of yesterday they had about six of them left. Those normally sell for something closer to $425 I think, so it would not be a bad deal for anyone nearby.

[Kristofor]

As a non-native I never developed a good tolerance for the Minnesota mosquitos, each bite tortures me for 10-12 days. Used to be if I would mow the lawn at 5 pm, I'd end up with at least half a dozen bites.

Be glad you're in the metro area and covered by the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District! While the antics of their helicopter pilots can be distressing (I watched one fly below my 3rd story office window today) their effort makes a *huge* difference compared to just a few miles further out (to say nothing of lake country, the BWCA, or boggy parts of the state).

You're not the first person I've heard say that the MMs work well. I don't own one but I can see 3 from my backyard, so perhaps I'm covered by one too.

[bruce hylton]

I have several acres with many old tires, several ponds, a creek and lots of wet areas especially after a rain[last one ten minutes age]around me. I find that bats and swallows do the most good for me. Early morning against the sky looks incredible with all the bats flying by.

[Russianwolf]

I went on amazon and looked at the MM models, I was shocked at the ratings they are getting. Most are below the 3 star level.