How can I purchase mosquito traps? Which one should I buy?
Capitol View Park residents purchase mosquito traps online from a small company called Biogents.
Based on experience we recommend two complementary types of traps:
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Basic set of two BG-GAT Traps - These are popular traps purchased last year. They attract and capture female tiger mosquitoes when they lay eggs.
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BG Mosquitaire Trap - If possible in your yard, we also recommend this high-catch trap as a complementary measure. This trap requires electricity and emits a scent that attracts female tiger mosquitoes when they are looking for a victim to bite.
Buy these as a bundle — two BG-GAT Traps and one BG-Mosquitaire — for a significant discount. In addition, Biogents sells “neighborhood bundles” of traps for six households at once, which provides even deeper savings, and many residents have teamed up to use this option.
​These traps can be used season after season. As a side note, CVPCA is not affiliated with Biogents and does not receives benefits from your purchase — aside from the major benefit of community mosquito reduction!
How much effort does it take to use these mosquito traps? I'm busy!
Simply set up the BG-GAT Traps with water, add a decaying leaf or hay, toss in a quarter of a Mosquito Dunk, and insert the sticky card. Change the sticky card and water about every two weeks, which should take about 5 minutes each time.
For the BG-Mosquitaire trap, insert the scent package, put on the lid, and plug it in. Check the catch bag every few days and replace it when it's half full with mosquitoes. Change the scent package every two months.
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There are detailed instructions and videos on Biogents website, along with scientific literature.
It's also important to get rid of standing water once a week, before mosquitoes hatch. This means taking a walk through your yard to empty flowerpot saucers, clear recycling bin lids, turn over children's toys or furniture, etc. Corrugated downspout extenders are notorious breeding grounds for tiger mosquitoes, but you can cap the ends with nylon stockings. Cleaning gutters is also crucial. See Montgomery County information on getting rid of mosquito breeding places.
Can someone help me with mosquito control?
Yes, a volunteer is happy to help, just contact us at CVPCAcommunications@gmail.com if you want assistance setting up traps, locating or relocating them to the best catch sites, identifying areas of standing water (it can be tricky), and more. We've helped many neighbors already!
I didn't catch many mosquitoes last year. Should I put out my BG-GAT traps again?
Yes please! Two factors are essential for BG-GAT Trap success:
1) eliminating standing water, and
2) trap set-up and placement.
Please see this page explaining proper trap placement. You may need to move your traps a few times to find optimal spots. Also remember to put organic matter - such as some hay or decaying oak leaves - in the water to attract the mosquitoes. It's best to add a little but not too much organic matter, such as one large decaying oak leaf per trap. If you add too much organic matter, you may catch green flies. Oak leaves and hay are best. Grass is less effective.
Remember: female tiger mosquitoes lay between 40-150 eggs at a time - and up to 300 eggs in their lifetime. The mosquito population grows exponentially. Even catching a small number of mosquitoes early in the season can make a big difference.
Tiger mosquitoes don’t travel far. If you are getting bitten by these mosquitoes in your yard, they were probably born there or in adjacent properties.
I already bought GAT traps last year. How much does it cost to participate again?
It's free! Simply reuse the traps you purchased last year and - if you contact us right away at CVPCAcommunications@gmail.com - you get free sticky cards for the new season, courtesy of the CVPCA. Please note: Free sticky cards are first-come, first-served and supplies are running low. Otherwise you can purchase them from Biogents.
For extra effectiveness, we recommend you put part of a Mosquito Dunk in the water. A 6-pack of mosquito dunk should be more than enough for the whole season. If you need dunks, we are happy to bring some to you!
That said, you may want to consider adding a BG Mosquitaire Trap this season to supplement your efforts. This trap attracts and captures tiger mosquitoes that are seeking someone to bite for a blood meal, whereas the BG-GAT Traps capture mosquitoes when they go to lay eggs.
The sticky card in my BG-GAT Trap is falling down. Any tips?
Make sure that the barrier net used over your trap’s bucket is taut. You can also secure your sticky card with a paperclip by twisting it open.
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On the top of the transparent chamber is a perforated circle, punch into the circle enough so that you can dangle the paperclip inside the trap. Secure the top end of the paperclip to the translucent chamber with tape.
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Punch out the small, perforated hole at the top of the sticky card. (If you don’t see a hole, just use a hole puncher.) Hang the sticky card on the end of the paper clip that is inside the translucent chamber.
Biogents also sells the BG-Mosquitaire CO2 mosquito trap. Should I buy that one? What’s the difference?
We have focused our program on the BG-GAT Traps and the BG-Mosquitaire (without CO2) because these are economical and easy-to-use traps, plus they target tiger mosquitoes — an invasive species that is an aggressive, daytime biter. This mosquito is our biggest nuisance.
The BG-Mosquitaire trap targets all mosquito species, and we are aware that residents in other communities are using this trap with success, but it does cost more and requires the separate purchase of CO2 cylinders. At present, our volunteers do not have direct experience with this trap, but if anyone in CVP is using it, please let us know your thoughts.
What are some tips for success in reducing mosquitoes? I just put out my traps and haven’t caught any mosquitoes.
Tips for success:
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If you placed new traps, the plastic smell will need to air out before mosquitoes use them. You need to be a little bit patient.
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​Please see this information on trap placement, which is critical. Traps should be placed in areas protected from the sun and wind, near mosquito breeding and resting places. Please review these photos and examples. Don’t place traps on decks where you sit, since you don’t want to draw the mosquitoes near you.
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When you set up the BG-GAT Traps, put in a small amount of organic material. We understand that a decaying oak leaf or a small amount of hay is most effective. Grass is less effective. Do not put in too much organic matter, as you will attract green bottle flies instead. Tiger mosquitoes don’t like water that is too dirty.
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Add BTI (such as a quarter of a Mosquito Dunk) to your BG-GAT Trap water. Change the water and sticky card about every two weeks, and add another quarter of Mosquito Dunk.
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Eliminate standing water! This is where mosquitoes breed. The goal is for the tiger mosquitoes to go to lay eggs in your BG-GAT Traps, so you should get rid of alternate breeding locations. This is critical to mosquito reduction. Standing water should be dumped at least once per week. Please see Montgomery County information on getting rid of mosquito breeding places.
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If you are not catching mosquitoes after a trap has been active for a few weeks, try changing the location. Again, refer to the trap placement guide.
Is spraying pesticides an effective and safe solution for mosquitoes?
The experts say NO. According to Montgomery County:
"Each year, more yards are being sprayed for mosquitos. Did you know you could be poisoning your yard but mosquito populations are not being reduced?
Before deciding to spray your yard, know the facts. Spraying can harm you, your kids, pets and your neighbors. The chemicals can also harm birds and insects that help eat mosquitos and pollinate your yard."
For more information, follow the links below:
Read more: "Are Backyard Mosquito Sprays Safe and Effective?"
Still have a question? Email cvpcacommunications@gmail.com!