Instantly caught a hundred black flies
Written: May 25 '07 (Updated Jun 01 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Wide sticky paper captures black flys, mosquitos and other bugs 24/7
Cons: No fan or net on this budget unit.
The Bottom Line: It works although I'd suggest coughing up more dough and buying the SV-3000
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| playhooky's Full Review: SkeeterVac |
Update: May 31st - Mosquito hunting season has begun! How do I know? I checked the sticky paper and low and behold, it had about 20 of the nasty buggers with their feet stuck and their wings flapping like crazy trying to get free. Hopefully they know how to call for help and their sisters will come and get stuck!
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Review of SkeeterVac 1/2 acer SV-15
Having been previously burned by buying a Mosquito Magnet a few years back only to have it knock out on me after only a few seasons, I cautionously investigated the SkeeterVac line.
I figured its from Blue Rhino the leading distributor of propane tank replacements in the country, they should know what they are doing when it comes to making a propane burning device start up and work properly.
After all the Mosquito Magnet pricipal of attracting blood sucking insects using heat, CO2 and chemical attractants is sound. Blood sucking insects are attracted to "blood suppliers" by sensing these clues so if you create a device that mimics a human or a cow etc then the mosquito should be attracted to it and then you can capture them somehow.
The SkeeterVac SV-15 is sort of the entry level SkeeterVac. Its the most affordable unit and the one I choose to test out before committing to the expense of the larger models.
It is somewhat crippled by the fact that it only uses sticky tape to capture bugs unlike the more expensive models that also have a fan and net to suck in the bugs.
This model also does not have the light attractor that the other models have.
So we have a very basic version in the SkeeterVac line. Does it work? If the first few days are any indiction, yes!
First off the unit does not need an electricity unlike the Mosquito Magnet. It just needs a AA battery for a spark to start the propane. It started up with a nice little POP indicating that the propane lit. There is also a small guage that tells you how much propane is in the tank. Another great feature not found on the Mosquito Magnets.
So it runs, does it capture bugs? Yes, with a few hours of setting this up in prime Maine black fly season the sticky tape on the unit was full of about 50 black flys.
So far I'm convince that this system is going to work. I've already put in an order for the new SV3000 model which includes the fan, net trap and light attractor.
Our property is surrounded by the Maine woods and has a running stream nearby (prime black fly hatchery) as well as saltwater nearby. I'll put one unit in the front and one in the back. Stay tuned...
See my indepth look at the Mosquito Magnet:
Mosquito Magnet
From the Manufacturer:
SkeeterVac SV-15 protects up to 1/2 acre. Uses carbon dioxide, water vapor, heat, contrasting colors and octenol to attract mosquitoes and trap them on the sticky paper.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
playhooky
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Location: seal cove, me
Reviews written: 99
Trusted by: 3 members
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