Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Biogents mosquito traps

Our traps catch mosquitoes in different stages of their development and are made for mosquito control outdoors and indoors.

While the BG-Mosquitaire targets mosquitoes that are seeking a host and want to bite you, the BG-GAT targets tiger mosquitoes that are looking for a place to lay their eggs. Each egg-laying female that is trapped can eliminate 30-300 offspring from the next generation and prevent the potential for disease transmission from virus-infected mosquitoes. With these two strategies, you can reduce biting pressure as well as the next generation of tiger mosquitoes.

Of course, mosquitoes are not only found outdoors, as they also enter the house. In this case, the BG-Home indoor trap can help: It captures tiger mosquitoes and other flying pest insects inside the house.

Should you want to increase your outdoor catch rates even further, the best solution is provided by the BG-Mosquitaire with CO2. Our BG-Booster allows you to add CO2 to your BG-Mosquitaire from a CO2 cylinder. The addition of CO2 makes the BG-Mosquitaire even more attractive for a wide range of mosquitoes including flood water or dawn biting mosquitoes and can multiply the catch rate of tiger mosquitoes by 10.

To achieve the best mosquito protection in your garden and inside your home, we recommend using the Biogents Trap System. This consists of one BG-Mosquitaire + two BG-GATs + one BG-Home.

There is no difference concerning the catching rate, but only in the construction. They use the same patented technology and the same electrical components. The BG-Sentinel and the BG-Pro traps are designed for scientists and researchers to monitor mosquito populations. It is made out of a light and easily transportable material. The BG-Mosquitaire is designed to be used permanently outdoors and is more robust.

To achieve the best mosquito protection in your garden and inside your home, we recommend using the Biogents Trap System. This consists of one BG-Mosquitaire + two BG-GATs + one BG-Home. While the BG-Mosquitaire targets mosquitoes that are seeking a host and want to bite you, the BG-GAT targets tiger mosquitoes that are looking for a place to lay their eggs. Each egg-laying female that is trapped can eliminate 30-300 offspring from the next generation and prevent the potential for disease transmission from virus-infected mosquitoes. With these two strategies, you can reduce biting pressure as well as the next generation of tiger mosquitoes. Of course, mosquitoes are not only found outdoors, they also enter the house. Here the BG-Home indoor trap can help: It captures mosquitoes and other flying pest insects inside the house. Should you want to increase your outdoor catch rates even further, the best solution is provided by the BG-Mosquitaire with CO2. Our BG-Booster allows you to add CO2 to your BG-Mosquitaire from a CO2 cylinder. The addition of CO2 makes the BG-Mosquitaire even more attractive for a wide range of mosquitoes including flood water or dawn biting mosquitoes and can multiply the catch rate of tiger mosquitoes by 10.

The BG-Booster CO2 combines our traps with CO2 which attracts more mosquitoes. By releasing the optimum quantity of CO2, you can increase catch rates. The addition of CO2 through our BG-Booster CO2 by connecting the trap to a CO2 bottle (not included) makes the BG-Mosquitaire even more attractive for a wide range of mosquitoes including flood water or dawn biting mosquitoes and can multiply the catch rate of tiger mosquitoes by 10.

The control effect of our traps is scientifically proven. There are more than 400 publications using the traps or evaluating their effectiveness. Biogents traps have now been sold in more than 100 countries. For more than 16 years, Biogents mosquito traps have been used by researchers, organizations, city councils, and individuals around the world. Our customers include the U.S., German and French armed forces, numerous mosquito control districts, and public health organizations around the world, including WHO, CDC, Institut Pasteur, …. More information: https://eu.biogents.com/control-effect/

If you are suffering from a mosquito infestation and want to reduce the number of bites, then you should buy the BG-Mosquitaire trap. The BG-Mosquitaire has been specifically developed for use against tiger mosquitoes. Many international scientific studies that have been published in the top global scientific journals and also presented at major scientific conferences, conclude that the BG-Mosquitaire trap catches a much higher number of mosquitoes than other mosquito traps do. As such we can say with confidence, it is the best tiger mosquito trap. These publications can also be viewed on our website: https://eu.biogents.com/scientific-foundation-publications/

Biogents mosquito traps can be installed on permanent campsites (outdoor BG-Mosquitaire and BG-GAT) and in campsite accommodation (BG-Home). It is important to choose the right position near mosquito resting areas (https://eu.biogents.com/positioning-application/). In order to increase your catch rate and the range of mosquitoes species captured, you would need to use an extra attractant with your BG-Mosquitaire, such as CO2.

In many countries, insecticides are used extensively to control mosquitoes, which are exterminated on a large scale there, not only because of mosquito bites, but because of disease transmission such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya fever. Due to the use of insecticides, the entire animal and plant world also suffers. Other types of mosquito traps, on the other hand, often work with UV light, which attracts and kills any insects. All of this can be prevented by using our mosquito traps, which attracts mosquitoes only, by using an attractant developed based on 16 years of mosquito research. Due to the establishment of the tiger mosquito in our region, it is also important to control mosquito populations in an environmentally friendly manner due to disease transmission. This is because invasive mosquitoes are not among the species that are becoming extinct, but are increasingly spreading in Europe as well, posing a major risk for disease. (See: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/disease-vectors/surveillance-and-disease-data/mosquito-maps) Moreover, mosquitoes are a very small food source for birds, bats, etc. (less than 5%). The 5% is based on studies that have examined the food intake of bats and birds. But also, in other scientific publications you can read that the percentage of natural predators for mosquitoes is only a very marginal proportion. Mosquitoes have a huge reproduction potential (there are 300+ eggs produced by a single female). Mosquitoes die mainly because of abiotic factors such as outside temperature. As our company was founded by biologists, we are always eager to have our traps tested and evaluated in long-term studies worldwide in order to be able to scientifically verify the impact on biodiversity. You can find out more at: https://eu.biogents.com/wissenschaftliche-basis-und-publikationen/?lang=en

In a large project in the Maldives, the use of our mosquito traps has allowed the environment to recover from years of insecticide spraying, allowing native insects and flowering plants to return. As a result, we can contribute to increased biodiversity worldwide with our products. You can find more information on this topic at: https://blog.biogents.com/soneva-and-biogents-lead-the-way-in-sustainable-mosquito-management-in-the-maldives.

Mosquito control therefore only has a negative ecological effect if the extermination is carried out over a wide area and is not targeted, thus affecting a wide range of insects and animals. This is not the case with our traps.

And last but not least: Our traps are live traps. You could even change the trap bags daily and release the catch at a safe distance or freeze them and then feed them frozen to birds and fish.

Our active traps are all low consumption. The BG-Mosquitaire trap needs only 5W to run. A BG-Home 10W (in order to support the LED lights, the heat, and the ventilator). In both cases that is less than some energy saving lamp requires.

The best place to position our outdoor traps is somewhere shady, humid, and wind-protected, where mosquitoes like to rest and breed. To find the best position and to get the highest catch rates, test different locations! A few meters can make a big difference. To find the best place for our BG-Home indoor trap, find the place where mosquitoes enter the house, or find a dark corner on the floor or near plants. It is important to make sure that the ventilator of the trap runs 24 hours a day and especially if you are not at home. More info: https://eu.biogents.com/positioning-application/

We recommend maintaining a distance of at least 5m between people and the trap. A human will always be more attractive than even the best trap, so the trap shouldn’t be placed directly on stone, but in the greenery nearby; in a shady, humid, and wind-protected location where mosquitoes like to rest and breed.

Our outdoor products are all rainproof, however, we recommend unplugging the BG-Mosquitaire in the case of a thunderstorm. The trap will not be damaged by the rain and the ventilator will continue to run but since mosquitoes do not fly in heavy rain, the trap will not catch as many mosquitoes as usual. Also, the catch rate will be reduced until the white upper part and gauze are dry again. Please consider that the BG-Home is an indoor trap and should not be used outdoors.

There are many different criteria that influence the catch rate such as mosquito population, breeding waters, resting places, coppice, climate, surroundings, etc. As such, it’s hard to give a reliable indicator. Depending on whether your garden has a lot of plants or not, you may need a different number of traps for the same area. But, as a general rule, one BG-Mosquitaire trap covers roughly the area of one average-sized house and garden. Mosquitoes often fly around their surroundings in search of a host, and sooner or later they will pass by a well-placed trap running 24/7.

One good trap in the right place is more effective than many traps in the wrong place. The catch area of a given trap depends primarily on wind direction, but also on many other factors. It is very important to place the trap in the vicinity of mosquito resting places such as bushes and greenery.
If you have several resting areas around your house at least 20m apart, it might be necessary to place extra traps.
Try a single trap first, and you will soon find out if you need more, or if you want to add CO2 to increase your catch.

The Biogents trapping method needs about one week time to start working properly. The traps (“artificial human beings”) are permanently present as opposed to human beings, and they catch wandering mosquitoes, so the active population (and its reproduction rate) will be kept down in the long run.

The BG-Mosquitaire, BG-Mosquitaire CO2 and the BG-Sentinel can be run with 12 V motorcycle or car batteries or solar panels (30-50 W). Be aware that a mosquito trap should be placed in a shady area, while the solar panel has to be in a sunny place. The Biogents Team is constantly researching and developing to produce even better solutions in the future. In the meantime, you can use our extension cable to be able to plug the trap in, but still have the best possible positioning for it.

The BG-Pro for researchers can also run on 5 V with a  powerbank for a limited time.

The sooner you can activate the trap the better. Around springtime, or when temperatures rise above 15° C. By using the trap, you will be able to maintain the mosquito population as low as possible by catching every single mosquito as soon as possible in the season, where each one could lay up to 300 eggs. Those eggs would turn in potential biting mosquitoes, reproduce and increase the mosquito population exponentially. A mosquito that you find in your garden probably hatched within 200 m of your home.

We recommend changing bags regularly, at least every time you change the attractant. A bag that is clogged with captured mosquitoes does not allow the fan to suck properly and makes the trap less effective. The steps for changing the catch bag can be found in the instructions manual that is provided in the packaging. In trade, a catch net, a funnel net, and the BG-Sweetscent are available in our webshop.

Slightly pull the intake funnel out of the trap so that the catch bag is still within the suction current of the fan. Pull the catch bag off the funnel net, and simultaneously tighten the cord of the bag so it is shut. You can find these directions in the instructions manual that is provided in the packaging.

The gauze should be changed when it has become dirty and when there is no longer a strong color contrast between it and the intake funnel. Additionally, a dirty gauze does not allow sufficient airflow through. The steps for changing the gauze can be found in the instructions manual that is provided in the packaging, or see downloads at the top left of the page. In trade, the gauze, the Biogents Sweetscent, a catch bag, and a funnel net is available in our webshop.

The best location for storage is somewhere enclosed and not exposed to winter weather. Do not store the trap below freezing point for an extended period of time.

The BG-Mosquitaire should be plugged in 24/7 to keep the catch rate constant and significantly reduce the mosquito population also when you are not in the garden. Catch them before they bite you! The same applies to the BG-Home.

It is amazing how many mosquitoes can be caught in a short time. It depends on the size of the mosquito population where you are. If precautionary measures (e.g., destruction of breeding sites) have been correctly performed, the number of mosquitoes in the trap should decrease over the course of the season.

Sometimes it is difficult to estimate the amount of caught mosquitoes.
The following images give you an impression of the amount of caught mosquitoes:

The trap itself doesn’t kill mosquitoes, but they dehydrate and die once they are caught in the catch bag.

Looking at the whole population of mosquitoes in your area, you will be able to decrease the local population.However, you will not eliminate the whole population, because there will always be some breeding areas in the neighborhood where fresh mosquitoes can hatch. In general, the wider the area is that is covered with the traps, the better the effect. Therefore, to join forces with neighbors is a good idea!

Traps are completely safe for pets, and no insecticides or pesticides are used whatsoever. However, pets and also children should be kept away from the electrical components of the BG-Mosquitaire or the BG-Home trap. All Biogents traps are insecticide-free and target specifically mosquitoes and no other beneficial insects (butterflies, bees).

Traps are safe for pregnant women and children, and they are all insecticide-free. However, children should be kept away from the trap’s electrical connections or the fan of the BG-Mosquitaire and BG-Home.

The BG-Home is an indoor trap, which should be placed indoor or on a covered patio or balcony.

You can use the BG-Mosquitaire inside (without CO2). Don’t forget that the BG-Mosquitaire is designed for outside use. In Europe, mosquitoes are mostly present outside, and therefore we recommend catching mosquitoes outside before they enter the house. The BG-Home will help you catch the few mosquitoes that enter your home.

Please refer to the Biogents webshop: https://eu-shop.biogents.com/

Our products are guaranteed for two years. The guarantee is subject to use in accordance with the instructions for use. If you have an issue, you can always contact us at sales@biogents.com or contact your local distributor.

For best service in the event of a warranty claim, please register your product here: https://eu-shop.biogents.com/apps/warranty/registrants/new?lang=en

Our ventilators are designed especially for our traps (12V for BG-Mosquitaire, 5V for BG-Home). In order to catch the mosquitoes, the ventilator needs a certain amount of power. The noise is caused by friction and airflow created by the mechanical components in the product. The BG-Mosquitaire trap produces a noise level of about 50dB (measured at a distance of 1m  from the trap in an empty room), and the BG-Home produces 47dB in the same conditions. The BG-GAT doesn’t need electricity and is therefore completely silent. The Biogents Team is constantly researching and developing to produce even quieter traps for you that don’t comprise on effectiveness.

The CO2 used is the same as used in the restaurant industry. CO2 Cylinders can be purchased locally in most countries across the world at beverage wholesalers. It can be acquired or rented at drink retailers or bottle depots for a deposit. A door-to-door delivery service may also be possible in some locations. The regulator can be used in Europe and some other countries outside of Europe with DIN 477 No. 6 CO2 gas cylinders. This regulator is W 21.8 x 1/14″.

Unfortunately, we do not have a cooperation with a gas company in the states, yet; however, the following sites offer competitive renting prices:
Roberts Oxygen: http://www.robertsoxygen.com/
US Home Brewing Organization: http://brew.burp.org/Brewing/CO2SourcesUpdated.aspx

For our CO₂ traps, we recommend using a 10 kg gas cylinder. However, you could also use 5, 6, 10, or 20 kg if you prefer. These can be acquired or rented at drink retailers or bottle depots for a deposit. A door-to-door delivery service may also be possible in some locations. How often you need to change the tank depends on: 1. what size you use and 2. which release rate of CO₂ you use. Our CO₂ traps give you the option of deciding between two flow rates: standard and high. This allows you to adapt the release of CO₂ to the mosquito situation. In the product catalog, you will find a chart which compares the two flow rates, and shows how long a 5 kg and 10 kg gas tank lasts (in days).

The BG-CO2 Timer helps you regulate the flow of your CO2 cylinder. We recommend releasing 0.5kg CO2 per day (see gauge on the BG-Booster CO2). You can program the BG-CO2 Timer to only release CO2 in the hours the mosquitoes are most active (features two timing windows). These are usually at sunrise and sunset. We suggest programming the timer from 06:00 to 10:00 p.m. and from 04:00 p.m. to midnight (time to be adapted for each region).

Carbon dioxide (also known as carbonic acid or CO2), a component of human breath, is the most important attractant for the majority of blood-sucking insects, and therefore for mosquitoes. If you are mainly bothered by mosquitoes in the evening, or if you live near flood areas, the reason for the nuisance is most probably not tiger mosquitoes, but house or flood mosquitoes.
In this case, you need to add CO2 to the BG-Mosquitaire trap to increase capture rates for these mosquito species. CO2 is an important attractant for all mosquito species. CO2 and the BG-Sweetscent work together in synergy. Together they can greatly increase the amount of captured mosquito species and maximize the capture rate (also for tiger mosquitoes). Through our BG-Booster CO2, the CO2 is optimally distributed, and the release can be adjusted to the local and seasonal mosquito situation. The release of CO2 from each trap is roughly equivalent to the amount of CO2 produced by a small child.

CO2 must always be handled safely, but if you only use it outside as recommended, there should be no risk at all for you or the environment. A CO2 cylinder should always be placed vertically, ensuring that it cannot fall. Please refer to your supplier’s instructions.

The quantity of CO2 released per day is the same as the amount a young child breathes in one day. CO2 is colorless, tasteless, non-flammable, with a very faint sour smell. It is reclaimed from industrial production units (production of ammonia, bioethanol, etc.), so its use as a mosquito attractant does not constitute an additional contribution of harmful CO2 to the planet, but is in fact only a delayed diffusion of recycled CO2 (industrial waste).

This depends on the size of the CO2 bottle. We recommend releasing 0.5kg per day, which means that a 10kg CO2 tank will last around 20 days. Using a BG-CO2 Timer, you can reduce the CO2 release to only eight hours a day (a third of the first example), then the tank will last about two months (60 days).

Yes, it is possible to run everal traps with a CO2 cylinder at the same time by connecting the CO2 tubes with Y-connectors. Please note that the pressure of the CO2 bottle must be increased by 0.5 kg/day for each additional trap.

Example: One single trap requires 0.5 kg/day. If you run two traps, the pressure must be increased to 1 kg/day. With three traps at the same time, the pressure must be 1.5 kg/day (inner scale of the pressure reducing regulator).

In addition, to ensure the correct amount of CO2 supply for each trap, our red sinter filter must be fitted to the CO2 emitter nozzle on each trap. If the sinter filter is not placed at the nozzle, the length of the CO2 tube from the CO2 bottle to each trap must be the same, otherwise the trap with the longer tube will not get enough CO2.

All our traps need regular refilling to function properly throughout the season.

One BG-Sweetscent sachet in the BG-Mosquitaire trap is effective for up to two months. After that, it should be replaced. BG-Sweetscents are also available as a season pack (3×2 months), and as a year pack (6×2 months).

The BG-Lure for professionals lasts up to five months (no matter if the trap runs 12 or 24 hours a day).

The sticky card in the BG-GAT should be replaced every two weeks or as soon as the card doesn’t stick anymore. The sticky cards are available in sets of 10.

Subscriptions for Refills: With a regular delivery of our BG-Sweetscent mosquito attractant for mosquito traps or Sticky Cards for your BG-GAT trap every 6 or 12 months, you protect yourself for the entire mosquito season. You will receive refills every six months or yearly and thus keep the performance of your mosquito trap at a high level.

The BG-Sweetscent is a three-component scent imitator that increases the efficacy of the BG-Mosquitaire and the BG-Home in addition to visual signals and artificially generated air plumes. The patented composition of the BG-Sweetscent imitates the composition of human skin.

The BG-Sweetscent is a patented three component scent imitator that is specialized for use in the BG-Mosquitaire and the BG-Home trap and in particular against tiger mosquitoes. Each of the three components imitates a part of the main components of the human skin. The particular light and permeable packaging of the BG-Sweetscent guarantees an optimal timed release of the scent into the surroundings.

A major component of the Biogents suction trap attraction mechanism is a patented scent dispenser. It fills the upward-moving air that leaves the trap around the suction funnel with an artificial human skin scent. The dispensers release small amounts of substances that are also given off by human skin (by sweating). The development of an artificial human scent represents a huge milestone in over 16 years of mosquito research. It is a patented three-component scent imitator. The effect of our attractants has been measured and is scientifically proven. After opening a Biogents attractant, the smell remains relatively strong for the first three days. During this time, the odor is normally too strong for mosquitoes, so optimum attraction levels are usually only reached about three days after opening. From then on, odor release is lower, but remains constant.

For users of the BG-Home indoor trap, the smell of the BG-Sweetscent might be too strong to be used indoors during the first few days after opening a new pack. In this case, we recommend placing the sachets outdoors for two or three days to let the strong initial odor fade away. The trap can be used without an attractant in the meantime.

The BG-Sweetscent can be changed in two simple steps. The steps can be found in the instructions manual that was provided in the packaging.

No. The human nose becomes accustomed to the odor, and after a while one does not smell it anymore. In addition, it is possible that right after opening the package a large amount of the scent is released for a short amount of time. The scent is actually still there and very efficient throughout the two months. Therefore, you do not need to change the BG-Sweetscent before the course of two months has expired. However, you cannot wait longer than two months to change the BG-Sweetscent to ensure the effectiveness of the BG-Mosquitaire or BG-Home.

Yes. The artificial human skin scent BG-Sweetscent is suitable for the BG-Mosquitaire and the BG-Home.

We no longer offer the BG-Homescent.  Instead, use the BG-Sweetscent with longer effectiveness of up to 2 months for your BG-Home Indoor trap. This will also give you access to our subscriptions.

For end consumers: If you are located in the EU or US, you can either purchase trap and accessories fast and conveniently at the EU Webshop, or the US Webshop, or through our distributors. If you are not in the EU or US, please contact the respective distributor.

For professionals:
For smaller quantities, you can purchase traps and accessories fast and conveniently at the Webshop for professionals.
For large orders, please order through our distributors, or contact us at: sales@biogents.com.

For end consumers: If you are located in the US, you can purchase traps and accessories fast and conveniently at  the US Webshop.

For professionals:
For smaller quantities, you can purchase traps and accessories fast and conveniently at the Webshop for professionals.
For large orders, please order through our distributors, or contact us at: sales@biogents.com.

Please contact our distributors, or send an e-mail to sales@biogents.com.

Tax ID Nr.: DE228252058

The BG-Sweetscent, along with a catch bag, a funnel net, and gauze, will be available for purchase in our webshops:

If you are located in the EU or US, you can either purchase trap and accessories fast and conveniently at the EU Webshop, or the US Webshop, or through our distributors. If you are not in the EU or US, please contact the respective distributor.

The BG-Mosquitaire trap applies the normal legal European Union guarantee for 24 months.

Our videos are linked with YouTube and can only be displayed if you allow marketing cookies or all cookies. How can you do this? In the settings of your browser, search for “cache” and delete the cookies (in Chrome, please choose entire time). Then, go back to the webshop. You are asked now to allow the cookies. Please allow them (including the marketing cookies). Now you will be able to see the videos.

The majority of the questions regarding the traps are answered on this website. Furthermore, step-by-step instructions for

• assembling the trap
• changing the catch bags
• changing the BG-Sweetscent
• changing the gauze
• the ideal positioning of the trap

can be found in the instruction manuals provided in the packaging.

Please send us your questions via e-mail to: sales@biogents.com, and they will be answered.

Worldwide, there are approximately 3000 different species of mosquitoes. Every different mosquito species responds differently to variable signals. Therefore, to maximize the catch of a particular species of mosquito, it is almost necessary to develop a trap that is specialized for that particular mosquito. Biogents achieved this by specializing on the most dangerous mosquito species: the tiger mosquitoes. The BG-Mosquitaire trap is so efficient, because it uses a patented combination of visual signals, artificially generated air plumes, and a patented 3-component scent imitator called the BG-Sweetscent that mimics human skin. These features were specifically developed for tiger mosquito. As for the catching of tiger mosquitoes, the BG-Mosquitaire trap is significantly better than all other mosquito traps.

Typically, at least 80 % of the captured insects from the BG-Mosquitaire trap are tiger mosquitoes. The rest consists of a couple of other species of mosquitoes.

No, due to its specialization for tiger mosquitoes the BG-Mosquitaire trap does not catch any harmless or beneficial insects like butterflies or ladybugs, unlike other mosquito traps such as light traps. For that reason, the BG-Mosquitaire trap is exceptionally environmental friendly.

One type of signal that the tiger mosquitoes respond to is a visual signal. The size of the air plume that is produced from the trap as well as the size and shape of the trap itself play an important role. The BG-Mosquitaire trap utilizes both these signals to ideally mimic a human body which is why it has that distinct size and width. A smaller trap could not attain the same efficiency against mosquitoes.

One BG-Mosquitaire trap covers roughly the area of one medium-sized house and garden. Therefore take advantage of the fact that tiger mosquitoes are often flying around their surroundings on their quest for prey, and sooner or later they will pass by a well-placed trap.

The BG-Mosquitaire trap has been specifically developed for use against tiger mosquitoes. Many international scientific studies that have been published in the top scientific journals of the world, and also presented at important scientific conventions conclude that the BG-Mosquitaire trap catches a much higher amount of tiger mosquitoes than other mosquito traps catch. These publications can also be viewed on this website.

The BG-Mosquitaire trap is specially designed for private household use, and is a further developed version of the BG-Sentinel trap, which has already proven its performance in the field multiple times. Scientists and mosquito specialists use the BG-Sentinel trap to catch tiger mosquitoes all around the world. Both the BG-Mosquitaire and the BG-Sentinel use the same highly effective catching mechanism with the only difference being that the handling and operation of the BG-Mosquitaire is easier.

The largest and most familiar health authorities and research institutes of the world are using Biogents tiger mosquito traps. For example the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from the USA, the Pasteur Institute in France, and the Cairns Tropical Public Health Unit Network in Australia are currently using Biogents traps.

The tiger mosquitoes that are caught in the catch bag will die by drying out or dehydrating. Mosquitoes are dependent on a continuous supply of moisture. If they do not receive it, they will dry out and die.

This catch result is normal. It shows that tiger mosquitoes are in the vicinity, and a risk exists. To others the catch result is normal, because tiger mosquitoes are solitary and do not fly around in large swarms.
On the contrary, if you have absolutely no tiger mosquitoes in the catch bag of the BG-Mosquitaire trap, you can assume that there is not a tiger mosquito problem in your area at that moment unless the trap is positioned incorrectly. If you find a large amount of tiger mosquitoes in the catch bag of the BG-Mosquitaire trap, then there is an extremely large threat of tiger mosquitoes. Under these circumstances, we suggest using more than one BG-Mosquitaire trap. In any case, try to locate any possible breeding waters for the mosquitoes and empty them out. These water reservoirs are often found in flower pots, vases, buckets, water barrels, rain gutters, puddles, or even discarded cups that contain water. Using fine stones or sand as filling hinders the ability of the mosquito to be able to lay her eggs there in the future.

The BG-Mosquitaire trap is completely safe for people and even small children, mainly because its does not use any pesticides or insecticides whatsoever. Obvious parts of the BG-Mosquitaire trap, for example the electrical connection or the fan, should not be within reach of children.

The BG-Mosquitaire trap is also basically completely safe for pets, because there is absolutely no use of insecticides or pesticides. However, like children, pets should not be able to get to parts of the trap concerning the electrical connections or the fan of the BG-Mosquitaire trap

No, the BG-Mosquitaire trap does not use any pesticides or insecticides whatsoever. This makes the trap very environmentally friendly and harmless to people, animals, pets, or other beneficial insects such as butterflies. The BG-Mosquitaire trap kills the captured mosquitoes only by dehydrating them.

No, the BG-Mosquitaire trap does not use CO₂ (carbon dioxide). Nevertheless, it is still highly effective. That is the big advantage of the BG-Mosquitaire trap in comparison to the majority of other mosquito traps, and makes the BG-Mosquitaire particularly so much easier with the handling. There are no bulky or potentially hazardous gas cylinders required.

The BG-Mosquitaire trap is very environmentally friendly, because

• it does not trap any beneficial insects like butterflies
• it does not use any pesticides or insecticides
• it does not dispense CO₂ (carbon dioxide)
• it requires very little electricity to run
• the BG-Sweetscent lasts a long time (roughly two months) and is refillable.

No, the BG-Mosquitaire trap only attracts and catches tiger mosquitoes that are patrolling around the vicinity.

There are around 3500 different mosquito species worldwide with about 100 in Europe. Species can vary with distinct living patterns. Certain species appear in relatively low densities, while others gather en masse such as flood water mosquitoes. In general, tiger mosquitoes are day-biting mosquitoes while common mosquitoes will bother you at sunrise or sunset.

No, it is scientifically proven that light doesn’t attract mosquitoes. It is commonly said that mosquitoes are attracted to light, but this is a misconception. Mosquitoes are not attracted to light, but enter your home when you are there, simply because you are breathing and therefore emit signals that are attractive to mosquitoes: heat, skin odor, CO2.

Mosquitoes’ preferred resting areas are usually shady, humid, and wind-protected locations. In addition to that, water reservoirs such as flowerpots, vases, buckets, water barrels, rain gutters, puddles, or even discarded cups that contain water are usually breeding sites for mosquitoes. The most shady and humid place at noon time is usually the best place to catch mosquitoes. Experiment and try several places or move the trap a few meters and analyze the difference.

Each female lays between 30 and 300 eggs. Culex lay their eggs in “pods” on the surface of the water. Tiger mosquitoes lay their eggs on a moist substrate at the water’s edge. For more information, please have a look here: https://eu.biogents.com/mosquito-control/

The lifecycle of a mosquito can take from seven days to one month depending on the mosquito species and the temperature (the hotter it is, the faster the cycle).

Mosquitoes require blood to develop their fertilized eggs. The female mosquitoes produce the eggs; therefore, they seek out other life forms, for example humans, to bite and ingest their essential blood meal. Male mosquitoes do not lay the eggs.

First and foremost, the tiger mosquitoes are capable of transmitting serious diseases such as chikungunya and dengue fever. They obtain these viruses from one bite of an infected human. The virus then begins to proliferate inside the mosquito and after roughly ten days the mosquito can transmit the disease to other humans with only one bite.
In addition to these hazardous threats, the tiger mosquitoes distinguish themselves from other mosquitoes by being day feeders. They are abnormally aggressive and persistent. Tiger mosquitoes mainly do not fly in large swarms so they do not base success of the catch results on a large bulk of normal mosquitoes being caught, but rather on the actual number of tiger mosquitoes that are caught.

Every mosquito species responds differently to the various signals that are emitted by their prey. Tiger mosquitoes react to a combination of particular visual signals, air plumes, and specific scents of the human skin. The BG-Mosquitaire trap is highly efficient, because it is specifically developed for tiger mosquitoes. It is a patented combination of visual signals, artificially generated air plumes, and a patented 3-component-scent that mimics human skin and further enhances the efficiency of the trap.

Tiger mosquitoes are not bigger than normal mosquitoes. In fact, they are often somewhat smaller. Their entire body is accentuated with white-silvery markings. Tiger mosquitoes are primarily recognized by their white-silvery stripes that begin between their eyes and continue down the middle of their back. Their hind legs also consist of the same color scheme so that they look like black and white ringed segments.

Tiger mosquitoes are originally from Southeast Asia; however over the last 25 years, they have dispersed to many different regions around the world. Now you can find tiger mosquitoes in parts of Africa and the Americas. They are also prevalent in Europe where Italy is predominantly affected by them. There are very few regions in Italy where the tiger mosquitos have not yet made themselves at home.

Tiger mosquitoes can carry and transmit chikungunya and dengue fever. Because they are day active and often bite several people in a short period of time, they can be very dangerous vectors of disease.

In the tropical and sub-tropical bands of the earth (Southeast Asia, Indian Subcontinent, Africa, Latin America, etc.) there are chikungunya and dengue fever epidemics every year with millions of people infected. Dengue epidemics result in thousands of fatalities annually, and among them are notably small children. In 2007, Europe had its first outbreak of chikungunya in Italy with over 200 people infected.

The risk is indeed not exactly predictable, but with the distribution of the tiger mosquitoes throughout Europe and large parts of southern Europe having the necessary, adequate warm climates, it is only a matter of time before the viruses find their way through Europe. Every year hundreds of thousands of people travel to regions at risk and return back to their countries. In the last couple of years, hundreds of these travelers brought back chikungunya or dengue infections with them. It is now only a matter of time until the tiger mosquito will bite an infected person, and be able to transmit it to other individuals. Above all, chikungunya will be transmitted especially well by tiger mosquitoes.

Yes, Europe had its first outbreak of chikungunya fever in Ravenna, Italy, in 2007,  where more than 200 people were infected. In this case, the disease was introduced by a man who was infected while traveling in India when he returned back to Italy.

Chikungunya fever was first described in East Africa in the 1950s. Today, the distribution area of the disease reaches from eastern and southern Africa over the Indian Subcontinent and to Southeast Asia. Currently, the tiger mosquitoes and their close relatives, the yellow fever mosquitoes, which are not found in Europe, yet, are the only definite carriers of this virus that have been observed. Chikungunya is a word from the Tanzanian language that means “that which bends up” or “that which contorts”. The infected person normally has a rapidly increasing high fever. Severe joint and muscle pains cause extreme sensibility to where the individual can barely hold an erect position. The fever usually lasts only a couple of days. Normally, the illness simply runs its course, and the symptoms begin to subside after approximately one to two weeks unless complications occur. Consistent complications and deaths are rare. There is no vaccination currently available. After overcoming the disease, the individual is immune against chikungunya for life.

Dengue fever (also known as breakbone fever) is transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito. Regions of the greatest risk are Northern Australia, Southeast Asia, India, parts of Africa and parts of the Americas. In 90 % of the cases of infection, flu-like symptoms will be observed. In the other 10 % of the cases, a sudden high fever of up to 41° C is accompanied by a headache, limb, joint, and muscle pain and occasionally a skin rash. After approximately five days another fever attack usually follows, and then the recovery phase begins which can drag on for several weeks. The most severe form of dengue fever is the so-called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and it is associated with internal bleeding.

Each year more than ten million people will become infected with the dengue virus, and a hundred thousand people will develop the severe form, DHF. In most countries roughly 5 % of people suffering from DHF die. Where there are good medical services, this percentage drops to less than 1 %. Most of the fatalities occur among children and young adults.

Currently there is no vaccination against dengue fever. There are four closely related types of the dengue virus, and a sufferer of one type of dengue virus is not necessarily protected against the others. On the contrary, the risk of contracting the severe form of dengue fever, DHF, increases with the second infection of a different virus type.

The chikungunya or dengue virus will be transmitted to a tiger mosquito when that mosquito bites a person who is infected with that virus. The virus begins to proliferate in the mosquito. After roughly ten days, the virus can be transmitted to a person who is bit by the infected mosquito. If the mosquito is killed within this time period then the disease cannot be passed on.

Currently there is no vaccination against dengue fever. There are four closely related types of the dengue virus, and a sufferer of one type of dengue virus is not necessarily protected against the others. On the contrary, the risk of contracting the severe form of dengue fever, DHF, increases with the second infection of a different virus type.

No, there are still no vaccinations against chikungunya or dengue fever despite much research from health authorities and pharmaceutical companies.