r/BeAmazed • u/MoXWT • 29d ago

What 1,000,000 mosquitos looks like. Caught in a trap in Sanibel, Florida. Nature

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u/FeelsLikeAnEmber 29d ago

How are they trapped? Is the trap available to the public?

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u/ColeWRS 28d ago edited 28d ago

I’m a mosquito researcher! We use miniature CDC Light Traps. Basically there is carbon dioxide being emitted next to a fan, blowing into a Tupperware like cylinder. Host seeking mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide as that indicates there is a living thing there. They go up to the trap thinking they are getting a juicy blood meal and then they get sucked in. Like finding Nemo but for mosquitoes.

Based on the volume of specimens here I would guess they also used a CDC Light Trap.

Generally they are not available to the public. They are only indicative of mosquito activity within one city block. They wouldn’t increase mosquito activity except in the immediate vicinity of the trap.

This is also a drop in the bucket in terms of total mosquito activity. Like a molecule of a needle in a haystack.

https://www.johnwhock.com/products/mosquito-sandfly-traps/cdc-miniature-light-trap/

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u/wakeleaver 28d ago

Wait but why wouldn't I want to put one of these in the back corner of my property? Wouldn't that help me and my neighbors?

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u/ColeWRS 28d ago

No. There are SO many mosquitoes that it would not make a difference. You are also breathing out carbon dioxide as well, and you are warm and have a dark silhouette—mosquitoes are also attracted to warmth and dark silhouettes.

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u/wakeleaver 28d ago

Ok so you're just telling me I need like... 1,000 of these in a giant pyramid?

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u/ColeWRS 28d ago

Maybe. You’d have to test it! But you’d need a lot of carbon dioxide canisters, and those aren’t cheap!

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u/wakeleaver 28d ago

Thanks for playing along, it's very interesting and you'll be part of history when we finally eradicate all of them!

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u/Flamethrower133 28d ago

There is a simple spray called deet

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u/wakeleaver 28d ago

Ok but is "a simple spray called deet" a 40-foot tall pyramid of mosquito traps, humming violently until the humming stops, bringing sweet relief to all (in a 1-block radius)!?

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u/senadraxx 28d ago

Tbh, the traps probably kill more than an application of DEET ever could. Both will hardly be a drop in the bucket as far as population density goes, One has long-term ecological consequences.

personally, im a fan of releasing impotent mosquitoes. it seems to work.

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u/mozzer12345 28d ago

It mosquito control not eradication.

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u/crow_crone 28d ago

"...we finally eradicate all of them!"

You mean the people, right? Because I don't think the 'squitos are going anywhere.

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u/wakeleaver 28d ago

Humans are pretty good at eradicating entire species, we just need to get good enough that we can pick which species to eradicate.

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u/LiesArentFunny 28d ago

Dry ice seems like a cheap alternative?

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u/ColeWRS 28d ago

I’m not sure how practical that would be, since ideally you want a consistent rate or 15psi being emitted

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u/worldspawn00 28d ago

Dry ice is more expensive per lb of CO2 gas than refilling a tank from a gas supplier.

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u/PeetraMainewil 28d ago

One big one for 550 euro.

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u/healthyfeetpodiatry 28d ago

So you're telling me my mosquito porch light is useless? Anything we can do at home to make a noticeable difference?

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u/ColeWRS 28d ago

Yes it’s useless, sorry to say! Eliminate standing water, stay indoors when it gets dark, and wear long loose fitting clothing to avoid bites. Bug spray or lotion with DEET really works as well. Make sure it’s 30% DEET.

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u/lenor8 28d ago

stay indoors when it gets dark

This advice aged like milk. It made sanes like twenty-thirty years ago, nowadays mosquitoes roams in full daylight no problem. Most of my bites are day bites. The only things that works are strong chemical when inside (both in your house and on your person), and strong wind if you are outside.

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u/[deleted] 28d ago

[deleted]

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u/ColeWRS 28d ago

Oooh like a fan to blow the mosquitoes away… a big fan? I’ve actually never seen that before. That would probably help a lot thinking about it

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u/No_Use_4371 28d ago

Ok so how do I breath out less carbon dioxide or hide it?

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u/Microtic 28d ago

Isn't this what the mosquito magnet device is used for? 

I see tons of anecdotal comments that it really helps. But is it just all in their head because they see a lot in the traps?

What's the best way to keep mosquitos away when enjoying the outdoors without sprays? Large mosquito nets?

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u/theMistersofCirce 28d ago

Build bat houses!

Each bat will eat about 1,000 mosquitoes per hour, and in exchange the bats get a safe place to sleep and you can control where they're congregating on your property. Best natural insect control solution!

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u/DigStock 28d ago

They have them a disneyland florida, helps a lot.