In this article, you will learn about how to get more from their Mosquito Magnet: Executive Trap, R-Octenol and Quick-Clear Valve. Anyone who has attempted to have a party in a large garden, farm or resort lawn is well aware of the speed with which mosquitoes can spoil it for everyone. It won’t be possible to eradicate them entirely, and anyone who claims to can be selling you a dream. The only thing you can do is reduce their numbers and a well managed trap setup is a great help.

The term is “well run. The easy thing is to purchase the trap. Its location, the lure you use to feed it and whether it is cleaned or not will determine its performance. Here are three products that work well in combination: The Mosquito Magnet Executive Trap, the R-Octenol Attractant, and the Easy Quick-Clear Valve.

How a mosquito trap works

Mosquitoes locate us based on our signals, such as the carbon dioxide we exhale, the odours that our bodies generate, heat and moisture. Those signals are duplicated by a propane trap, such as the Executive.

The interior is fitted with a catalytic converter which converts propane into carbon dioxide, heat and water. That’s released from the trap and its CounterFlow technology sucks mosquitoes in toward the collection net, where they stay.

It’s not a repellent or a spray. Those try to keep mosquitoes away from you. They are lured in and held in a trap. Again, that will be dependent on your local species of mosquito, weather, location, and whether or not you use it regularly.

The Mosquito Magnet Executive

The Executive is designed for larger rooms. The manufacturer claims it can cover a whole acre, if conditions are right. Take that as the best case scenario, rather than a promise. It can be reduced from it by thick vegetation, wind, obstructions, and a pond across the street.

Uses CO₂, heat and moisture as primary attraction, accepts an extra lure in the form of an attractant cartridge and features digital settings to help control propane consumption. It can stop and restart as well as according to temperatures. The mode that is appropriate for you will depend on your conditions, so look in the manual.

It makes sense for:

• Spacious yards and grounds that are landscaped.
• Farms and the surrounding land
• Restaurants and outdoor dining spaces
• Mosquitoes are a nuisance on commercial buildings that have a mosquito infestation.
• Open areas around recreation facilities

Make sure to do a walk-through before you install one. Observe where people are and where the water is and the direction the wind tends to blow.

What’s the point of R-Octenol?

The mosquito is attracted to CO₂ at a distance. As it gets closer, other chemical signals come into play. One such cue is Octenol, and the Mosquito Magnet R-Octenol Attractant is designed to be used in addition to the CO₂ plume that the trap emits.

Some species are affected by certain lures more than others, and the effectiveness of a lure will depend on which species is at your hook. Be sure the cartridge fits your trap.

The information that appears on LifeShield:

• Model: CROCTENOL
• These are the three attractant units in a pack.
• Price: ₹4,590, plus 18% GST as shown on the product page

When replacing, it is stated that the product will last for up to 30 days. Refer to the packaging for your particular cartridge, though, as the time may differ. If you change a large property, note the swap date on a large property. Otherwise it can be easy to get lost in the shuffle.

The Quick-Clear Valve

This isn’t a glamorous one, but it’s important. Residue can accumulate within the trap and impact the operation of the trap over time. Easy Quick-Clear Valve is a convenient maintenance tool used to clear that residue from a compatible Mosquito Magnet trap.

From the listing:

• Item number: LIFEValve2023
• Price: ₹2,190 (confirm GST at checkout)
• Use: preventive maintenance
• Compatibility: Mentioned for all types of traps, but ensure the compatibility of the model and adapter before purchasing.

It is recommended to use Quick-Clear after each second LPG change. Interval and procedure is determined by your manual.

It is not an attractant and does not take the place of checking the net, the airflow passages or the cartridge. It handles one job.

Safety matters here. Turn off the trap and allow to cool before handling. Ensure the right adapter is used and the procedure followed correctly. Don’t use any make-shift pressure-cleaning approach.

Who does what

Purchasing the three will not guarantee a reduction in the number of mosquitoes. Installation, positioning and maintenance still carry out the lion’s share of work.

Where to put the trap

Probably the most important factor you can control is placement.

Place it between the source and the people. If you have a general idea of where the mosquitoes are originating (a drain, pond, wet scrub area), position the trap between the location where people are congregating and the mosquitoes’ source. Don’t put it right next to the dining table or seating area. Don’t attract mosquitoes!

Notice the direction of the wind; CO₂ plume will travel with the wind, and look for what is in the way. The spot that works in one month might not work the following.

Treat standing water. A trap can’t make up for breeding sites. Check for water in bucket, plant saucers, blocked drains and anywhere water accumulates. Empty what you can. Professional treatment may be required for some sites.

You’ll be changing the cartridges, servicing the net and cleaning it, so choose a good, stable spot that you can reach safely. Observe manufacturer’s clearances and propane safety procedures; never move the trap with a propane cylinder attached unless the manufacturer’s manual allows this.

Keeping it running

Prior to starting it up:

• Look it over for damage
• Ensure that the collection net is properly in place
• Ensure attractant is both compatible and current
• Inspect the propane hose, regulator and connections
• Ensure Battery is charged as required

If you suspect a propane leak, if possible, turn off the propane, stay away from ignition sources and follow the manufacturer’s emergency instructions.

While it’s running:

• Regularly inspect net and airflow passages
• Monitor attractant program
• Use propane replacement and inspection procedure.
• Check if it is taking off consistently
• Prevent any obstructions from the trap.

Use the proper switching procedure at LPG changes; consult your manual for correct switching procedure, the interval of the Quick-Clear and the correct adapter. Never clean the trap while it’s running or hot.

Prior to storing it for the season: install all recommended maintenance, shut down and store accessories properly.

Reducing mosquito catch compared to previous years?

All traps have slow spots. Before you blame the machine, check these:

• Too close to people, plants or mosquitoes’ path
• The old attractant cartridge fails to pull its weight.
• If there is a propane cylinder or a propane supply issue, it will not function properly.
• Blocked airflow: debris in vent(s), tube(s), or collection system.
• Different species of mosquitoes are attracted to different lures.
• Local breeding: new mosquitoes continue to be produced from unprotected water sources
• The days during which the operation is interrupted are lost catching days.

Go through that list before spending money on replacements.

Does a single trap suffice?

No. One part of the answer is a trap. The successful setups include several elements:

• Eliminate breeding spots for mosquitoes
• Maintain good drain, gutter and water storage conditions
• Where appropriate, install screens and physical barriers
• Apply the proper mosquito control measures as necessary
• Monitor and adapt activities throughout
• If there are persistent or extensive infestations, have a pest management specialist come in

In farms, resorts and industrial sites in particular, a combination of them is better than one of them.

Which do you require?

It will depend on what elements your setup lacks.

• No trap, yet, large outdoor space: the Executive (capable of up to an acre in appropriate conditions). Take time to carefully consider your layout and operational requirements.
• A new lure – in this case, R-Octenol three-pack may be used provided it is suitable for your local mosquito species and is compatible with your type of trap.
• The Quick-Clear Valve is for those who value quick and easy maintenance. Check adapter and model before use.

They are different workers, don’t treat them as interchangeable.

Quick answers

What is the area of the Executive?
As per manufacturer up to one acre. Real results will vary, depending on your site, species, and location and available breeding sources.

What is R-Octenol used for?
Second chemical lure that is used in conjunction with the CO₂ from a compatible trap. How well it works depends on the species and conditions.

How often does it need to be changed?
Follow the packaging. Up to 30 days based on information we have, but please check your cartridge.

What is the Quick-Clear Valve used for?
Removing internal residue from suitable Mosquito Magnet traps, as described in the equipment manual.

Is the need for a real maintenance replaced by Quick-Clear?
No, still the net, airflow and attractant and propane system need to be inspected.

Can the removal of every mosquito be accomplished using a trap?
Well, breeding sites, weather and species all influence the results and source reduction remains important.

What is the best place to put it?
With wind, place people spend time, maintenance access and the manufacturer’s requirement included, between likely mosquito sources and the places people spend time.

Wrapping up

A trap is a tool to be used as part of a program: the proper location, a new compatible lure, consistent operation and routine maintenance. The trapping is done by the Executive, R-Octenol is a second cue, and the Quick-Clear Valve assists in maintenance.

To see specifications, compatibility information and up-to-date pricing, please visit the product pages on LifeShield, or contact the team to assist you in selecting the most appropriate system for your property.