Ovitraps / Mosquito Traps for Container-breeding Aedes Mosquitos (asian Tiger, Eastern Tree Hole, Aedes Aegypti)

These are instructions for 8 "ovitraps" for container-breeding Aedes species (Asian tiger, eastern tree hole, and aedes aegypti)

Will not work for others like culex species (which lay "egg rafts" on open water, such as gutters, buckets, etc.; they will not use the sock).

The traps attract the mosquitos as breeding sites. They lay their eggs on the sock, and when the larva hatch they will feed from the water, which contains Bti that kills the larva. Over a period of weeks and months, this interrupts the breeding cycle and significantly reduces populations.

- A can of "Krylon K02754007 Fusion All-In-One Black Matte 12 oz Spray Paint" (or two to be safe).

- Ten foot piece of 4" PVC from Lowe's or HD (~$29).

- A 10-pack of 4" PVC caps from Amazon (~$40)

- Small can of PVC cement (and PVC primer optionally).

- Power drill + drill bits.

- Large wood screws.

- Men's size 12-15 black crew socks (cheap at Walmart).

- 100% silicone caulk.

- Mosquito dunks (Bti).

NOTE: Instead of PVC pipe/cap/cement you

can save money by using an old plastic jug. It

may not look as nice.

Cut PVC into 15" lengths.

Drill a hole large enough for a large screw (it will hang on this) about 1" from the top.

Drill two small overflow/drain holes on either side about 5" down.

Use PVC cement + cap on other side, to seal pipe (wait 30 minutes).

Spray paint entire exterior matte black, wait 10-30 minutes and apply second coat (then wait a few hours or overnight to dry).

Put sock into pipe, pull top edge over top of pipe (as little as possible to prevent evaporation) and lift sock edge to insert three evenly spaced dabs of caulk to glue sock in place (wait 30 minutes).

Drop in a few rocks to weigh down sock.

Drop in 1/8 of a mosquito dunk.

Fill with stagnant water (from pond, ditch, etc.) or use non-chlorinated water and add a few pieces of dry dog food.

Put large wood screw into tree (3-5 feet from ground) and hang trap by the top hole you made. Place as "barriers" between usable living areas (patio, driveway, etc) and significant breeding areas (trees, etc.). For example, a line of traps in the trees, 10-15ft behind the tree line. Other shaded areas can be effective, such as a trap or two under an elevated deck. You might want to hang it on the north side of trees to reduce direct sunlight exposure / increase time in shade).

Distribute evenly as possible. Higher density means higher effectiveness, but the curve flattens quickly. Anything beyond 1 per 1,000 sqft is over-optimizing with highly diminshed returns.

Replenish 1/8 of mosquito dunk in each trap every 30 days.

Ensure trap stays moderately full of stagnant water (rainfall might naturally accomplish this).