Mosquito Magnet clears an acre

It's not just those infernal bites that drive adults, children and animals to the edge, it's the increasing risk of diseases like Ross River Fever transmitted via mosquitoes that makes any new approach to the problem worth investigating. The recently released Mosquito Magnet emits a plume of carbon dioxide, heat and moisture to mimic a large mammal and combines this with the attractant octenol to control female mosquitoes (the ones that bite), midges, black flies and sandflies over an area up to an acre in size. The insects are trapped and killed using patented "Counterflow Technology" - a vacuum from the flared outer tube surrounds the inner plume of CO2 and drives the insects into a net as they approach the attractant.

Mosquito Magnet is based on research by the American Biophysics Corp. dating back to 1991 showing that blood seeking insects find a host by following carbon dioxide. To effectively stimulate natural sensors found in mosquitoes and sandflies, a stream of carbon dioxide, heat, and moisture flowing at a rate of 500 cc/minute is needed.

To achieve this at a low cost Mosquito Magnet creates carbon dioxide by catalytically converting LPG from a standard 9kg bottle, as CO2 in bottled form is more expensive and less readily available. This was also a consideration because the system must run 24 hours a day to be effective - pulsing the emission or just running the Mosquito Magnet at night is far less effective because it fails to capture all species of mosquitoes and collapse the population in a given area.

The Mosquito Magnet Pro 2004 model generates its own electricity so it operates independently (no power cord) and can be placed close the mosquito breeding areas on your property. The Pro 2004 is constructed from stainless steel and polycarbonate and its one acre coverage makes it suitable for commercial and domestic use, especially in large outdoor entertaining areas like golf courses, restaurants and resorts. It offers all weather performance, a lightweight aluminium base with a powder coated finish and is silent and odourless in operation. A unique feature of the Mosquito Magnet Pro 2004 is its virtually unlimited life. The Mosquito Magnet Pro can easily be rebuilt, refurbished or upgraded indefinitely.

The Liberty model is effective over 3/4 of an acre and uses a 12-volt power supply with a 15 metre long cord. Built from PVC and marine specification powder-coated steel. Also new is the Liberty Plus cordless model, with a state-of-the-art hybrid power system, a thermoelectric module, MIMH battery pack and a new mosquito net 50% larger than corded Liberty model.

The Mosquito Magnet Liberty costs AUD $1495.00, the Liberty Plus AUD $1995 and the Pro 2004 costs AUD $2995. All models are available in Australia from Mosquito Control Systems Australia. Phone 1300 135 320 or visit www.mosquitocontrol.com.au for more information.