expired Posted by ItsSoCheap | Staff • Feb 24, 2025
Feb 24, 2025 7:42 AM
Item 1 of 4
Item 1 of 4
expired Posted by ItsSoCheap | Staff • Feb 24, 2025
Feb 24, 2025 7:42 AM
1/2 Acre DynaTrap Bug Zapper Trap
$35
$144
75% offAmazon
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How do I know? I used to conduct widespread viral surveillance for mosquito-borne diseases using light + fan traps as a full-time job... Tested all kinds of different light sources and they were ineffective without a chemical attractant.
"Zapper ALTERNATIVE. These things suck and only TRAP anything EXCEPT mosquitos.
34 Minutes Ago".
Well put.
Update: In my haste to contribute something useful, I neglected to explore that the dynatrap claims to produce some amount of CO2 via the bulb's coating through the following process outlined by an AI bot below. Frankly, I would need to find some real studies before I would believe that enough CO2 is produced to be reasonably effective as an attractant through this process; I have not looked for those studies yet. I'm a skeptic that even 1:10,000th as much CO2 is produced by this process as burning a single candle, but it's worth looking deeper for some possible validity here. I'm sure tests have been done by somebody reputable (and hopefully published).
"Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide (CO2) at levels as low as around 100 ppm, with some studies indicating a threshold around 133 ppm for female mosquitoes." Please post any evidence that dynatrap's bulb can create 100ppm CO2 for any useful radius around the trap. (This seems very unlikely.)
The claim that certain mosquito traps can generate carbon dioxide (CO₂) using titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and ultraviolet (UV) light is based on a real chemical process, although it is not as straightforward as it may sound.
How It Works
Photocatalysis: Titanium dioxide is a well-known photocatalyst. When exposed to UV light, TiO₂ can facilitate chemical reactions. One of the reactions it can catalyze is the breakdown of organic materials or pollutants in the air, potentially leading to the release of CO₂ as a byproduct.
Carbon Sources: For the generation of CO₂ to occur, there needs to be a carbon source present. This could come from organic matter in the environment, such as from decaying plant material or from other CO₂ sources. The TiO₂ would help convert these materials into CO₂ when activated by UV light.
Attractiveness to Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are attracted to CO₂, which is a natural byproduct of respiration. Therefore, traps that can generate CO₂ may be effective in luring mosquitoes.
Limitations and Effectiveness
Efficiency: The efficiency of this process in generating sufficient CO₂ to attract mosquitoes effectively is a critical factor. While it is theoretically possible, practical implementations may vary in effectiveness.
Environmental Conditions: The effectiveness of such traps may depend on environmental conditions, including the presence of sufficient organic material and the intensity and wavelength of the UV light used.
Commercial Viability: Some products on the market may not produce enough CO₂ to be significantly effective in mosquito trapping, which could lead to skepticism about their claims.
Conclusion
In summary, while the generation of CO₂ using titanium dioxide and UV light is theoretically possible, the practical effectiveness of such mosquito traps can vary. Consumers should look for scientific validation or studies supporting the claims made by manufacturers before relying on such products.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank MrMagillicutty
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank semjase
How do I know? I used to conduct widespread viral surveillance for mosquito-borne diseases using light + fan traps as a full-time job... Tested all kinds of different light sources and they were ineffective without a chemical attractant.
"Zapper ALTERNATIVE. These things suck and only TRAP anything EXCEPT mosquitos.
34 Minutes Ago".
Well put.
Update: In my haste to contribute something useful, I neglected to explore that the dynatrap claims to produce some amount of CO2 via the bulb's coating through the following process outlined by an AI bot below. Frankly, I would need to find some real studies before I would believe that enough CO2 is produced to be reasonably effective as an attractant through this process; I have not looked for those studies yet. I'm a skeptic that even 1:10,000th as much CO2 is produced by this process as burning a single candle, but it's worth looking deeper for some possible validity here. I'm sure tests have been done by somebody reputable (and hopefully published).
"Mosquitoes can detect carbon dioxide (CO2) at levels as low as around 100 ppm, with some studies indicating a threshold around 133 ppm for female mosquitoes." Please post any evidence that dynatrap's bulb can create 100ppm CO2 for any useful radius around the trap. (This seems very unlikely.)
The claim that certain mosquito traps can generate carbon dioxide (CO₂) using titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and ultraviolet (UV) light is based on a real chemical process, although it is not as straightforward as it may sound.
How It Works
Photocatalysis: Titanium dioxide is a well-known photocatalyst. When exposed to UV light, TiO₂ can facilitate chemical reactions. One of the reactions it can catalyze is the breakdown of organic materials or pollutants in the air, potentially leading to the release of CO₂ as a byproduct.
Carbon Sources: For the generation of CO₂ to occur, there needs to be a carbon source present. This could come from organic matter in the environment, such as from decaying plant material or from other CO₂ sources. The TiO₂ would help convert these materials into CO₂ when activated by UV light.
Attractiveness to Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are attracted to CO₂, which is a natural byproduct of respiration. Therefore, traps that can generate CO₂ may be effective in luring mosquitoes.
Limitations and Effectiveness
Efficiency: The efficiency of this process in generating sufficient CO₂ to attract mosquitoes effectively is a critical factor. While it is theoretically possible, practical implementations may vary in effectiveness.
Environmental Conditions: The effectiveness of such traps may depend on environmental conditions, including the presence of sufficient organic material and the intensity and wavelength of the UV light used.
Commercial Viability: Some products on the market may not produce enough CO₂ to be significantly effective in mosquito trapping, which could lead to skepticism about their claims.
Conclusion
In summary, while the generation of CO₂ using titanium dioxide and UV light is theoretically possible, the practical effectiveness of such mosquito traps can vary. Consumers should look for scientific validation or studies supporting the claims made by manufacturers before relying on such products.
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came here to say this. it's mildly interesting to check all the bugs you do collect but just like a bug zappers they rarely get mosquitos
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