Enjoy summer days with a book amidst soothing crickets, hindered by pesky mosquitoes. Combat this with the DynaTrap Insect Trap, available on Amazon for $111.65.

Spend your summer days outdoors with a good book, serenaded by the soothing sounds of crickets. However, this idyllic scenario is often marred by the incessant buzzing of mosquitoes and the nuisance of itchy bites, not to mention the potential health risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases.

This is where the DynaTrap Insect Trap, available on Amazon for $111.65, comes into play. With hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon, I decided to test its efficacy in my annual battle against these pesky insects.

My backyard overlooks a county-owned water overflow lake, which, during the summer, becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and various flying insects.

Venturing into the yard during peak mosquito season in early July guarantees not only an onslaught of mosquito bites but also a swarm of bloodthirsty insects.

My primary concern is mosquitoes, but according to DynaTrap, it is also effective against biting flies, house flies, moths, no-see-ums, June beetles, wasps, yellow jackets, stink bugs, gnats, and biting midges. It's important to note that it does not capture beneficial insects like honeybees.

How the DynaTrap Mosquito and Insect Trap Operates

The DynaTrap Mosquito Trap operates by emitting a warm UV light and a small amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), which simulates a human's breath and attracts various types of bugs. Once a bug approaches, a small fan draws it into a screened base, where it becomes trapped and eventually perishes due to dehydration, typically within 24 hours. It should be positioned between 20 to 40 feet away from people and claims to cover a half-acre radius.

While the trap was designed to target multiple types of bugs, most Amazon reviewers seemed primarily interested in capturing and eliminating mosquitoes.

CO2-based traps primarily attract female mosquitoes, as they are particularly interested in seeking blood sources during the breeding season. However, due to variations in feeding behaviors and breeding patterns among mosquito species, the effectiveness of this mosquito control method can vary.

The reviews of the DynaTrap reflect this diversity of results. While many users praise the significant improvements in their backyards, others report minimal to no reduction in mosquito populations.

What We AppreciateDynaTrap

Credit: Reviewed / Rebecca Viser

1. Easy Setup: Setting up the DynaTrap mosquito trap is straightforward and requires no assembly. You simply hang it, plug it in, and let it operate.

2. Attractive Design: The product's design resembles elegant garden lamps, making it blend seamlessly into your outdoor decor. It is available in several metal finishes to match your backyard's aesthetics. The blue UV light, which attracts bugs during the night, maybe mildly bothersome to some but adds a unique touch.

3. Low Noise: The DynaTrap operates quietly, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a peaceful backyard environment.

What We Disapprove

1. Incomplete Mosquito Control: Despite my hopes, the DynaTrap did not provide the mosquito control I anticipated. Even after running the mosquito trap for 14 days and monitoring its performance over multiple days, I continued to be bitten by mosquitoes within minutes of being outdoors.
2. Limited Bug Capture: The mosquito trap collected a variety of insects in its basket, but the number of dead mosquitoes was disappointingly low compared to some online reviews. While some reviewers reported substantial reductions in mosquito populations after several weeks, my experience did not match these claims.

Considering my personal experience and the product's price, I cannot recommend it to individuals facing a similar mosquito problem. The reduction in mosquito bites was insufficient to justify the expense. Instead, I would suggest exploring more cost-effective solutions such as mosquito-repellent clothing, mosquito wipes, or using screened outdoor areas.

The Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System is another effective option for keeping mosquitoes away from large backyards and patios.

However, if you have a spacious backyard with an ideal location to hang the trap away from people, the DynaTrap Mosquito and Insect Trap may be a valuable addition. Some reviewers found success when combining this trap with other mosquito mitigation strategies, such as eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

If you can implement multiple strategies or have a backyard with few mosquito breeding sites, the DynaTrap could provide an additional layer of protection, enabling you to enjoy the outdoors without constant bug spray application.

For those with stagnant water issues and limited backyard space, this trap may offer some relief, but it is advisable to continue using bug repellent to prevent mosquito bites.

Challenges in Placing the DynaTrap and Maintenance Concerns

Difficulties in Placing the Trap

According to DynaTrap's guidelines, positioning the trap 20 to 40 feet away from people presented a challenge. Given my modest backyard, I could only manage a distance of around 10 feet. Furthermore, the need for a power source led to the use of a conspicuous orange outdoor extension cord stretched across my patio.

The trap's weight necessitated a sturdy holder, and since it lacked a hook, I improvised with a bungee cord for added flexibility in securing it to a tree.

Cleanout Process and Maintenance Challenges

Emptying the basket of dead bugs might seem trivial, but the process is not appealing, and neglecting it could pose a fire hazard. Basic weekly cleaning is required, while more extensive cleaning involves disassembling the trap and manually cleaning the fan housing, although the included brush was absent in my case. Handling live bugs upon opening the cage was reminiscent of an unpleasant high school bug collection experience.

Review of the DynaTrap Mosquito and Insect Trap

In light of my personal encounters and considering the product's price, I cannot recommend it to those facing similar challenges. Observing only a slight reduction in mosquito landings on my body after a short period does not justify its use. Instead, opting for more cost-effective alternatives such as bug-repellent clothing, mosquito wipes, or enclosed spaces is preferable. The Thermacell LIV Smart Mosquito Repellent System is a noteworthy alternative for effectively repelling mosquitoes in extensive outdoor spaces.

However, for individuals with spacious backyards and appropriate outlet setups, the DynaTrap Mosquito and Insect Trap might prove worthwhile. Several reviews suggest combining the trap with other strategies, like eliminating stagnant water sources that attract mosquitoes and other insects.

Employing multiple strategies or residing in an environment with limited breeding grounds could maximize the trap's effectiveness, allowing for outdoor activities without the need for frequent insect repellent application.

Design and Build Quality:

The Dynatrap insect traps are crafted for user-friendly operation, built with sturdy plastic or metal for long-lasting use. They consist of essential components such as a UV light bulb, a fan, a titanium dioxide coating, a retaining cage, and a power cord.

Notable Design Features:

Dynatrap insect traps are weatherproof, allowing for both indoor and outdoor use. With a whisper-quiet mechanism, they operate without causing disturbances during sleep or relaxation. Additionally, these traps are designed to be energy-efficient, ensuring cost-effective operation.

Dependable Components:

The Dynatrap insect traps boast premium construction, ensuring durability and reliability. The UV light bulbs are designed for extended use over multiple seasons, while the powerful fans efficiently draw in even larger insects. Moreover, the resilient titanium dioxide coating maintains its effectiveness over time, promising long-term performance.