Read what the experts are saying about the
Mosquito Killing System:
January 15, 1999
Dear Mr. Wilbanks:
I have tested the effectiveness of two MKS-H mosquito traps in Gainesville, Florida for approximately seven weeks. I am pleased to report that the unit appears to be exclusively attractive to several species of pest mosquitoes including the Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Over 97% of all insects captured were mosquitoes and in my opinion, the non-target species were incidental. Unlike traditional black light electric traps, which indiscriminately kill many species of insects, the MKS system is not harmful to important beneficial species.
Additionally, the use of this system as a means to monitor pest populations could provide field workers with information important for control strategies including the identification of mosquito producing areas.
The MKS system appears to be the only unit available to the homeowner today that truly does what it advertises: attracts and kills mosquitoes.
Respectfully,
Christopher Tipping, Ph.D.
Entomologist
April 26, 1999
Dear Mr. Wilbanks:
After the additional testing of the traps supplied to me, I have noted these machines continue to be exclusively attractive to several species of pest mosquitoes. Observations of females attracted to these traps indicate that they orient and fly towards the heat source created by the MKS-H and the ground unit. On several occasions, I have watched females land and probe on the outside surface of the MKS-H trap. Generally, it appears that after several attempts to probe the trap, females are drawn inside and are killed or incapacitated.
Mosquitoes observed attracted to the ground unit appear to fly upwind from one to two feet off the ground, circle and attempt to light on the electric grid. I have seen several females land on the top of the unit before they were eventually killed. Mosquitoes attracted to both the MKS-H and the ground unit appear to have similar flight patterns.
Most insects cannot detect wavelengths of light greater than 550 nm. This region of the visible spectrum is what we perceive as red, so I have been making my observations using a flashlight with a red filter. Some of my previous work with the behavior of several Culex species indicates that red light does not appear to affect their flight patterns.
Careful observation of the behaviors of host-seeking mosquitoes is important in understanding the mechanisms involved in how they locate and orient towards potential hosts. With a greater understanding of mosquito behavior, future trap designs can be even more effective in attracting and killing them. I look forward to further testing of both the MKS-H and the ground unit.
Respectfully,
Christopher Tipping, Ph.D.
Entomologist
September 28, 1999
Mr. Wilbanks:
On the evening I watched it in operation, the EPAR Heat Trap attracted and caught large numbers of anopheline mosquitoes. When CO2 was released near one Heat Trap, the number of mosquitoes responding seemed to increase, but since there was no control trap present for comparison, I could not verify this. I saw only a few non-anopheline species come to the trap, with or without CO2. I suspect this was because there were few other kinds of mosquitoes in the area at the time, but was unable to confirm that. On the basis of my observations of the Heat Trap on that, and several other evenings during my visit, it can be said to definitely attract the local Anopheles species.
In summary, the EPAR Heat Trap attracted and caught many anopheline mosquitoes during the hours that I observed it in action. Though the EPAR Heat Trap seems very promising, additional careful testing will be required to fully reveal and document the basic trap's true potential.
Sincerely,
Richard G. Weber, Ph.D.
Entomologist
Med-Pest Control
350 Mountain Avenue
Middlesex, New Jersey 08846
Tel: (732) 469-5999
Fax: (732) 271-1824