Are mosquito traps effective?
Most mosquito traps on the market today attract mosquitoes using either carbon dioxide (CO2) or a combination of carbon dioxide and octenol (another chemical attractant). With some traps, the attractant Lurex (which is lactic-acid based) may be added; it is particularly effective in luring the Asian tiger mosquitoes prevalent in the southern United States. When they approach a trap, mosquitoes are captured by a vacuum mechanism or sticky paper. Mosquito traps are an option for those who live near mosquito-infested areas such as ponds and marshes, or who have a backyard mosquito issue that goes beyond the reach of personal insect repellents. Experts warn, however, that no trap will totally eliminate mosquitoes in a given location.
