Eliminate mosquitoes: build your trap in 5 minutes and for very little expense

by Mark Bennett

July 14, 2023

Eliminate mosquitoes: build your trap in 5 minutes and for very little expense
Advertisement

The daily battle against mosquitoes is a reality for many people in most parts of the world, especially during the summer months. Not only do these infernal pests bite us and interrupt our sleep, but they can spread diseases to ourselves and out pets.

As a result, most of us look for effective ways to eliminate mosquitoes. And although there are certainly many types of traps and repellents that can be purchased to this end, it is also worth trying cheaper, equally effective solutions - like the one we suggest below:

Creativo

Creativo

You can build your own mosquito trap. What you will need:

  • a plastic bottle of one and a half or two liters capacity
  • a knife, scissors or a box cutter
  • a cube of fresh brewer's yeast
  • 4 tablespoons of sugar
  • luke warm water (a glass and a half, or about 300 ml)

How to build the trap:

  • Heat up the water in a microwave or a kettle, but make sure it's only lukewarm when you use it, otherwise you risk killing the yeast;
  • Meanwhile, cut up the bottle: you have to cut it into two parts, making the cut just above the middle of the bottle, so that the part with the neck is shorter than that of the bottom part; then insert the top, upside down, into the bottom of the bottle (leaving space underneath);
  • Fill the bottom with the luke warm water;
  • Pour in the sugar into the water and stir until it dissolves completely;
  • Make sure that the water temperature is below 40° and put the yeast cube in it, stirring constantly to completely dissolve it. The yeast will make the water milky;
  • If not already done, insert the neck of the bottle, upside down, into the bottom, so that the mouth is suspended just above the water level.

Your trap is now ready!

So, why does this work? We know that mosquitoes are attracted to water, and that they lay their eggs in stagnant water (pet bowls, saucers, etc.), but there is also another element that attracts them. In addition to our unique smell, mosquitoes are drawn to the carbon dioxide we breath out. And when yeast and sugar come into contact, they trigger a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide.

The mosquitoes will therefore be attracted to the liquid, but will remain trapped inside the bottle (due to the small opening). And any larvae will be laid in the liquid!

Make a few traps, perhaps, just before having an evening outdoors with friends, or a bit before going to bed. And you can always make more for the fraction of the cost of commercial products!

Advertisement