For most, living somewhere with or near a nice outdoor area is a dream. However, relaxing out on the patio or in the garden can quickly turn into a nightmare with the presence of biting midges (Culicoides). These minuscule biting flies depend on vertebrate blood to reproduce, causing itchy, annoying, and sometimes even inflamed and scarring bites in their human targets.
Thankfully, there are multiple ways to help deal with biting midges, from eliminating breeding sites to using chemical insecticides on larvae and applying topical insect repellents.
CO2 Traps for Midges
As these insects are naturally attracted to the scent emitted by their prey, carbon dioxide (CO2) traps for midges have proven to be a viable solution. Research has shown that odor-baited traps such as these are effective against these pests. Some traps also utilize the attractant power of blacklight (or UV light) whether alone or in addition to odor lures.
Depending on your specific needs—indoor or outdoor, number of insects, size of your space—there is likely to be a UV or CO2 trap that can help remedy your biting midge problems.
1. DynaTrap ¼ Acre Outdoor Mosquito and Insect Trap
From one of the most popular makers of insect traps out there comes DynaTrap ¼ Acre Outdoor Mosquito and Insect Trap. As with the majority of the brand’s products, this compact 7”x10” trap utilizes a proprietary 3-way system for managing and catching flying insects, biting midges included.
Its ultra-bright AtraktaGlo UV bulb emits a warm light that not only attracts insects but also activates the product’s second lure: the titanium dioxide (TiO2)-coated surface that produces CO2. The combination of UV and CO2 lures lead biting midges to a powerful, yet quiet vacuum fan that sucks them into the cage portion, where they dehydrate and die within 24 hours.
Without the usual buzzing and zapping electric grids found on other insect-eliminating devices, it is whisper-quiet as it does its job. This, combined with extreme portability and durability, make it an excellent choice for social gatherings such as summer barbecues or al fresco dining. According to customers, though, it is better suited for cases where there are just a few mosquitoes and biting midges here and there—just enough to be a disturbance— and not a full-blown swarm.
Requiring no additional parts or assembly, the DynaTrap ¼ Acre Outdoor Mosquito and Insect Trap is extremely easy to use. However, one downside to this simplified design is that the bulb is not replaceable. Still, the included bulb is rated good for 20,000 hours, or roughly 2 years—not bad at all.
2. Mosquito Magnet MM4200B Patriot Plus Mosquito Trap
On the other end of the spectrum, both in terms of size and complexity, is the Mosquito Magnet MM4200B Patriot Plus Mosquito Trap. Although branded especially for mosquitoes, this propane-powered CO2 trap is effective against a variety of flying pests, including biting midges, otherwise called no see ums.
The Mosquito Magnet MM4200B Patriot Plus Mosquito Trap uses a standard BBQ grill propane tank to generate an odorless (to humans, at least) plume of heat, moisture, CO2, and other chemical attractants that lures biting midges into a large, sturdy catch net.
The propane tank, however, is not included upon purchase, and the product does require some assembling. The manufacturer also recommends that the tank, brand-approved attractant packs (Octenol, R-Octenol, or Lurex3), and catch net all be replaced every 21 days or so. But, if you require a powerful solution with coverage of up to 1 acre, the Mosquito Magnet MM4200B Patriot Plus Mosquito Trap might be worth it.
3. DynaTrap DT1050 ½ Acre Insect and Mosquito Trap
A solid middle-ground option would be the DynaTrap DT1050 Half Acre Insect and Mosquito Trap.
This outdoor and indoor device uses the same DynaTrap 3-way technology for an effective CO2 trap for midges and also retains the same portability and user-friendly experience as its ¼ Acre version.
Unlike its slightly smaller counterpart though, not only does the DynaTrap DT1050 Half Acre Insect and Mosquito Trap boast of a significantly wider coverage area, but it also allows for bulb replacement.
4. DynaTrap DT1050 1/2 Acre Insect and Mosquito Trap – Decora Series
If you need a reliable CO2 trap for midges but also want something that blends into your space’s aesthetic, then the DynaTrap DT1050 1/2 Acre Insect and Mosquito Trap – Decora Series could be the one for you.
It offers the brand’s same silent 3-way protection, all wrapped up in a decorative package that is easy on the eyes. With its narrower silhouette, lattice detail, and tungsten finish, it makes for a pretty, functional addition to any garden. This device works just the same as the previously mentioned Dynatrap but offers more coverage – up to ½ acre.
5. Katchy Indoor Insect and Flying Bugs Trap
Another sleek solution is the Katchy Indoor Insect and Flying Bugs Trap. At 5.5”x9”, this streamlined trap fits unobtrusively into any home.
Unlike the other CO2 traps for midges on the list, this product instead relies on a strong UV light to attract the biting pests and a fan to suck them in. In place of a retaining cage, it then has a disposable sticky glue board coated with olefin copolymer, synthetic rubber, and tackifying resin that ensures no escape for all insects caught.
It is important to note that the Katchy Indoor Insect and Flying Bugs Trap is not meant for use outside and can only be used indoors. It has a relatively shorter range of coverage, with manufacturers recommending that it be placed directly in spots where insects swarm, such as near the trash bin or an indoor potted plant. Customers have reported remedying this by using natural bait such as apple cider vinegar, leading to great results with the Katchy.
6. DynaTrap DT2000XLP Insect Trap XL
One of DynaTrap’s most powerful CO2 traps for midges, the DynaTrap DT2000XLP Insect Trap XL offers a full acre of coverage without the use of any pesticides, additional attractants, or propane. Using the brand’s same signature 3-way system, it lures and traps biting midges, mosquitoes, and any small, flying insects.
This can be a slight problem if your area is home to welcome, harmless insects such as honeybees, moths, and even ladybugs. Some users, though, have had success addressing the issue simply by covering the DynaTrap with screen or mesh that allow only smaller pests like midges and mosquitoes to pass through.
CO2 Midge Traps, Conclusion
While the choice is ultimately yours and depends on the factors mentioned at the beginning, we recommend the DynaTrap DT1050 ½ Acre Insect and Mosquito Trap. Easy to operate and maintain, and with the durability and portability for both indoor and outdoor use, this is a versatile option for those looking for a simple, effective CO2 trap for the home, work, or business space.
Help Midge Education Reach a Wider Audience
Culicoides is the most prevalent and distributed genus of the Ceratopogonidae family. They are everywhere, with exception to the polar regions, and are a concern for animals and humans. Some people show a mild reaction to them, while others are more extreme and may need to visit the hospital.We want to spread the word about midges, both biting and non-biting. With your help and support, we hope to reach a wider audience and educate people, by distributing information about the behavior, life cycle, habitat, and prevention interventions on how to get rid of biting midges.
To support our mission, we ask that you share our blog with those you think would benefit from this information. Like you, many people around the world struggle with biting midges. To date, over 40,000 searches are made using the term “biting midges” each month. That is a colossal number, although it in no way reflects the entire affected populace that needs help. Please take a moment to share this article on ‘CO2 Traps for Biting Midges’ to your favorite social platform of choice.
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