Q: How long should a 20-pound propane tank last?
A: A full 20-pound tank will last approximately 21 days. It is not recommended to let the propane completely run out. We recommend having a second full tank on-hand to swap to reduce downtime.
[back to top]
Q: Can I use natural gas instead of propane?
A: No. Mosquito Magnet® traps are designed to operate with propane. In cases where pure propane is not available then a mix of propane and butane may be used. In NO circumstance should natural gas be used.
[back to top]
Q: Can I use a gas gauge on my propane tank?
A: A gas gauge can be used as long as the gauge is connected directly to the tank and then the regulator from the Mosquito Magnet® is connected directly to the other end of the gauge.
[back to top]
Q: Why do I need to purge my tank?
A: New, previously unfilled, propane tanks can contain air, which will rise to the top when the tank is filled. This air may prevent the Mosquito Magnet® from starting until purged. When purchasing a new tank ask your propane dealer to purge the tank.
[back to top]
Q: Can I use an extension cord as a supplement to the Defender or
Liberty model?
A: The use of an extension cord is NOT recommended.
[back to top]
Q: My Mosquito Magnet® is dripping water, is that normal?
A: Yes. The liquid you may see dripping from your unit is condensed water vapor. This is a byproduct of the catalytic conversion of propane and oxygen to carbon dioxide and water vapor and is caused by atmospheric temperature differentials. This will not impede the operation of your unit in any way.
[back to top]
Q: Can a compressor be used instead of Quick Clear cartridge?
A: The Quick Clear cartridge is recommended for regular cleaning of the fuel line. The use of compressed air is NOT recommended and can cause damage to the trap. Use of compressed air instead of QuickClear cartridge will VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
[back to top]
Q: Can my Mosquito Magnet® be used in the rain or with sprinklers?
A: The Mosquito Magnet® is designed to operate under normal moisture conditions, including rain and sprinklers. However, use caution that your sprinkler or hose does not target the unit directly as this may cause damage to the unit.
[back to top]
Q: What types of insects does the Mosquito Magnet® catch?
A: The Mosquito Magnet® attracts and captures mosquitoes, black flies, no see-ums, and midges.
[back to top]
Q: When should I start my Mosquito Magnet®?
A: Blood-seeking insects such as mosquitoes and no-see-ums start becoming active when the temperature reaches 50 degrees for several days. Eggs, along with any adults that have survived the winter, will begin hatching or become active as the weather warms up.
The closer the temperature gets to ideal (high 70's and 80's), the more mosquitoes will be active. Capturing the new insects before they begin populating your yard and laying more eggs is the best approach.
[back to top]
Q: What should I do before I start my trap?
NOTE: Always use caution when reviewing or cleaning the suggested areas. If the trap was not properly stored, other insects and animals could inhabit the trap.
A: There are several steps one should take when starting the trap:
- Check the placement of your trap:
- Determine where the mosquitoes are breeding - The Mosquito Magnet® must be located between the breeding areas (standing water, bushes) and the 'people areas' (patio, deck) in order to capture the mosquitoes at their source, BEFORE they get to you.
- Place the trap away from people areas - Place the trap as close to the breeding areas and as far away from the activity as possible. The biting insects will be attracted to the trap and not to you.
- Place the trap upwind from the mosquito breeding area - Mosquitoes fly upwind looking for a blood meal (you). After a female mosquito bites a human, its weight is doubled; the mosquito will float back downwind to the resting area.
- Place the trap in an open area, not in high grass or plants - CO2 is heavier than air, therefore it stays close to the ground. The mosquitoes will follow the CO2 plume to the trap. If its placed in high grass the flow of the plume will be impeded and the mosquitoes won't find it ...they'll find you!
- Place trap in the shade - Mosquitoes don't like the heat of the direct sun. As the sun sets, mosquitoes come out of their resting places.
- Although we realize that all yards are not the same, and it may be impossible for some people to meet all of the above guidelines, we recommend that you try and meet as many as possible. If you have questions about trap placement, try our Interactive Placement Assistant.
Check the following to ensure proper air flow:
- Check for and clear any dust, pollen, spider webs, or other debris from the following:
- Net
- Trumpet
- Plume tube
- Side screens
- Bug bag door compartment
- Replace the net if its pores are clogged or it's ripped or warped.
- Securely close the net bag door. If the door isn't closed properly, the airflow is decreased and mosquitoes may escape.
- If the trap is running, you can use a small piece of tissue to test the intake (trumpet) and output (plume tube) of air.
Check the following to ensure proper gas flow:
- Use 1 Quick Clear Cartridge at the beginning of each season and between every tank change. Caution: Always turn off the trap and close the propane tank valve before using the Quick Clear Cartridge.
- If the trap stopped running and was not running for more than a few hours, use 1-2 Quick Clear Cartridges if the trap won't restart. This will help clear out any propane residue in the gas nozzle.
- Prior to storing the trap for the season, use 1 Quick Clear Cartridge.
Check the propane tank and connections:
- Visually inspect the regulator and gas hose for any visible signs of damage from animals. Replace the regulator and hose if there is any damage.
- Disconnect and reconnect the regulator from your propane tank to confirm the connection is secure.
- Your tank may be empty. You can connect the tank to your grill to see if it contains propane and is disbursing from the tank. A full tank weighs about 40 lbs and an empty tanks weighs about 20 lbs.
- We recommend starting each season with a new tank of propane. This will allow the propane and attractants usage to be on the same schedule.
Check the power source
- For corded models (Defender & Liberty), check the following:
- Check the connection into the trap to make sure it's fully inserted into the proper slot.
- After unplugging from the source, look for damage on the cord (i.e. lawn mower; rodent, etc)
- If you are using an extension cord(s) or if other items are using the same outlet, there may not be enough power being allocated to the trap. Try powering to a dedicated outlet.
- For cordless models (Liberty Plus), check the following:
- The battery was charged for more than 24 hours. If this was done and the battery still does not have power, check your power supply or order a new one.
- If your trap shut off after the propane ran out, the battery will need to be recharged.
- Please call customer service 800-953-5737 if you need further assistance.
Check your attractant
[back to top]
Q: How do I start my trap?
A: Your owner's manual has step-by-step instructions for starting your trap. Click here to dowload manuals
