Flowtron MT-350 Plus PowerTrap Mosquito Trap

In addition, because of the igniter issues, it was recommended that the propane machines run 24/7 so a tank of propane would last about 21 days. Most, but not all mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk and do not bite during the heat of the mid-day sun, so running the machine continuously was wasteful. This is not true of some species, including the Asian Tiger mosquito.

Researchers at the USDA Mosquito and Fly research station in Florida have tested the machine against a now discontinued Coleman Mosquito Trap, the MD2500, which in previous tests had outperformed many other traps. These tests were conducted in November, 2006 in 2 large screen cages. Each machine was placed in a cage in which approximately 1000 mosquitoes were released (500 aedes Aegyti and 500 Ochlerotatus). The catch was counted after each day.

HOW IT WORKS  The MT350 Plus lures mosquitoes into the machine by using known attractants. As they enter the trap, a powerful vacuum sucks the insects into a removable catch tray where they quickly dehydrate and die. The catch tray and funnel leading to it should be removed for a cleaning and disposal when the tank is changed or the tray fills up. It requires an electrical connection to a regular house plug (110v) and a tank of propane.  

ATTRACTANTS   The MT350 works somewhat differently than most other traps.  It incorporates 9 known mosquito attractants, which are CO2, Octenol, (Lactic Acid is optional), UV light, spectrum light, movement (by light), color, heat, and moisture.  Unlike other traps, the MT-350 does not use black UV light or high power noisy killing grids so it does not target the beneficial insects such as moths and dragonflies.

CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)  CO2 is released by the breath of animals and humans. Female mosquitoes have learned that a blood meal can be found at the source of this gas. It is the lure that attracts from the greatest distance, somewhat over 100 feet from the unit depending upon the wind. In general, CO2 models catch about 3 times more than the non-CO2 traps, so if you have a heavy mosquito population or more than a very small outdoor area, you want a CO2 trap. Non-CO2 traps attract from around 30 to 50 feet from the trap. CO2 is heavier than air, so placement is important. You do not want to put it in a depression. You do want it dispersed by the wind.

To create CO2, this trap uses the same kind of propane tank that you buy for your outdoor gas BBQ grill. A gas hose is included with the machine. Unlike propane mosquito traps of the past, the MT-350 has a programmable timer with four operating modes to choose from so you can operate the trap at peak times. This allows for the tank of propane to last much longer than the older models which ran 24 hours per day and had to be refilled every 21 days. If you set your trap to run the propane for 5 hours each day, the tank should last you about 4-5 months, (an entire season in some areas of the country.)

OCTENOL  This is a chemical in the form of a strip that you stick in the body of the trap.  It smells to the mosquito like cow's breath.  Each trap comes with one Octenol strip which should be replaced every 3-4 weeks.  Octenol is known to attract many species of mosquito, but actually may repel some.  In most cases it will benefit your catch.  You might want to experiment, however.  Additional strips are available through us.

LACTIC ACID  Lactic acid is released by our bodies in sweat and attracts mosquitoes.  If you have the Asian Tiger mosquito, you definitely want to use lactic acid, which also comes in a strip that releases the scent over time. Lactic Acid does attract the Asian Tiger, however we recommend that you try Octenol alone against other species. 

LIGHT and MOVEMENT  There are four ultra bright LED lights on the MT-350 mosquito trap. These lights attract the mosquitoes and blink intermittently in a pattern that the mosquitoes perceive as movement, a further attraction.

MOISTURE and HEAT  Heat and moisture have long been recognized as attractants.  Mosquitoes can sense a very small heat and moisture differential, which humans and animals give off.  As they get closer, the conversion of the propane to CO2 creates some residual moisture and heat acting as part of the final lures.

OPERATION  You can program the operation times of the MT350 Plus in 4 ways: Release propane for 24 hours; or 3 hours at dusk; or 2 hours at dawn and 3 hours at dusk; or 3 hours at dawn and 4 hours at dusk.  The trap still operates in that the fan and lights continue, but the propane does not on the shorter settings.  If you have a heavy infestation, we recommend that you operate the machine for 24 hours for a few days, and then check the population. Normally, the 2 hours at dawn and 3 hours at dusk setting would work well. But this will vary by region and mosquito type. If you have Asian Tiger mosquitoes, we recommend that you try the combination lure of Octenol and lactic acid. Otherwise, try the Octenol. It enhances the catch of most mosquitoes, midges and black flies.

We recommend that you turn it off in heavy rain.

PLACEMENT  This is one of the most important considerations.  CO2 traps should be placed at least 35 feet from where people linger, preferably.  It should be between you and the source of the mosquitoes in a shady area with the light side in the direction of the mosquito source.  Preferably, it is as close to the source as possible and up-wind of the mosquitoes.  You are trying to attract the mosquitoes to it before they perceive you.  Remember that CO2 can be sensed around 100 feet from the source (you and the trap) and the more people, the more CO2.  If you have more than one source or a long property line bordering on an area that harbors mosquitoes, you may need 2 or more.  Figure one for every 150 feet of perimeter. And if they come from both sides of the property, you will need at least 2. 

Once you place them, monitor the catch.  Mosquitoes are more prevalent right after a rain.  They decrease in numbers until the next rain, when another hatch of the same or different species may occur.  If you are not catching many, move the machine to another location and increase the operation time.  CO2 is heavier than air, so do not place it in a depression.  The best gauge is your perception of the number of bites you get after placing the machine.  It will not kill every mosquito, but it should make your outdoor life much more tolerable and continue to reduce the population over time. 

This or the SV5000 is the machine to get if you are serious about reducing your mosquito population as much as possible.  It includes nine attractants, including CO2 which attracts from the widest distance.  If you do not have Asian Tigers, we recommend the MT350. If do you have Asian Tiger mosquitoes, we recommend the SV5000.  It operates 24 hours, and has a lure receptacle that can hold the Lurex3 lure and has an additional external sticky paper trap.  You have to attach the Lurex3 outside the lure receptacle on the MT350. 

We also recommend that you add one of the Thermacell repellent products for a complete package.  The traps kill the mosquitoes and the repellents keep any that remain away from you. If you have a large area, add more traps.