CO2 traps like the Mosquito Magnet lure and capture mosquitoes by mimicking a breathing host. They can lower the biting population over weeks of continuous use, but results are mixed and depend heavily on placement, propane supply, and your local species. Manage your expectations.
Key Takeaways
- A slow-burn population tool — it works over weeks, not overnight, and results vary.
- Placement is everything — between the breeding source and your patio, never next to you.
- Ongoing propane + attractant cost is real; factor it in.
- The biggest win is free: dump standing water where mosquitoes breed. No product beats removing their nursery — see every way to get rid of mosquitoes.
Pros
- Mosquito Magnet doesn’t use any insecticides.
- It is very easy to assemble and use.
- Low maintenance.
- Works quietly.
- A suitable option for daycares and hospitals.
Cons
- The passage between the propane tank and trap sometimes clogs.
- Different mosquito species react differently to attractants, so it may not work for every mosquito.
- Needs strategic placement to work effectively.
The mosquito magnet is a promising option for not using chemicals or insecticides. The mechanism of Mosquito Magnet is simple, laying a fool-proof trap for mosquitoes and leaving them caged to die.
The only “ingredient” used is “propane”. Propane doesn’t do any harm to humans or pets.
“The earlier models of Mosquito Magnet which were the Defender, Liberty and Pro created their fair share of poor reviews due to the clogs between the propane tank and trap connection causing the Mosquito Magnet to not work. Fortunately, the company that makes the Mosquito Magnet responded and the newer models have not been plagued by this issue.”
What 93 verified buyers say
What buyers love
- Can protect up to 1 acre of land from mosquitoes and other flying insects
- Some users have reported good results
Common complaints
- Expensive product
- Reports of the product not working, or not working for long
“Rechargeable battery makes it easy to keep going, New net design helps keep airflow where it should be, and cuts fan noise.I have had two before this one. They typically last 3 or 4 years before needing attention.Unfortunately that requires shipping.”— 4★, Verified Purchase
“This has made it able to enjoy our back yard again. My girls absolutely get eaten up by bugs anywhere they go. Our back yard is now safe for them. Mosquito Magnet works as advertised and maybe better. I have communicated with customer service and they have gone above and beyond to make us happy. I highly recommend this product!”— 5★, Verified Purchase
Based on our analysis of verified customer reviews — how we research.
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Mosquito Magnet: Executive
The Executive model is a cordless Mosquito Magnet trap which covers an area of 1 Acre and is used outdoors.
It comes with an LCD panel and 5 operating modes. It also features less power consumption technology.
It works to attract and capture mosquitoes and other biting insects by using its patented catalytic converter, which convert propane to carbon dioxide to simulate human breath.
Get the Mosquito Magnet: Executive on Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or DIY Pest Control or Lowe's or Ace or shelllumber.com or toolboxsupply.com or dkhardware.com or parisfarmersunion.com or samples.woodstream.com or canadamosquito.com or mosquito-trap-depot.com or themosquitostore.com or prestonhardware.com or skeeter-vac-depot.com or thewarmingstore.com
Mosquito Magnet: Independence
The Independence model is another cordless trap which covers the same area as the Executive. However, it lacks some of the Executive's features such as an LCD panel, operation modes, and less power consumption technology.
The Independence runs on 4 C batteries which are included.
As with other Mosquito Magnet models, it is silent, odorless, and features a dual-color design proven to attract more mosquitoes.
Get the Mosquito Magnet: Independence on Amazon
Mosquito Magnet: Patriot Plus
Our take
Across 93 verified reviews (2.44★, 32% rated 4★+), buyers most often praise can protect up to 1 acre of land from mosquitoes and other flying insects and some users have reported good results. The recurring complaint: expensive product, and reports of the product not working, or not working for long.
The Mosquito Magnet Patriot Plus is a corded option with a 50 foot power cord. While still effective at trapping mosquitoes, it doesn’t come with features like an LCD panel or different modes of operation. It also covers an area of 1 acre and is for outdoor use only.
Get the Mosquito Magnet: Patriot Plus on Amazon or Walmart or Home Depot or Lowe's or Ace or toolboxsupply.com or dkhardware.com or themosquitostore.com or hardwarestore.com
Why The Mosquito Magnet Works
Did you ever imagine how these little bloodsucker mosquitoes came to know about your presence?
Don’t worry we have an explanation for this and how the Mosquito Magnet attracts mosquitoes towards it.
Female mosquitoes need blood to breed therefore they fly 25 feet or less off the ground and search for humans using their array of sensory organs.
These sensory organs and their role are:
- Antennae:
It detects the carbon dioxide released from human lungs from distances up to 100 feet away and other chemicals. - Maxillary Palp:
It is located between the antennae and detects the odor of octanol and other chemicals released from human sweat.
These two organs help mosquitoes to find you and give you a quick bite. Cleverly, the Mosquito Magnet uses the two chemicals below to emulate human breath and sweat.
- Propane:
The safe catalytic process taking place in the Mosquito Magnet converts propane into carbon dioxide which helps in fooling the mosquitoes into thinking they have found a human target. - Octenol:
The additional attractant which drives mosquitos away from you and sends them into the trap where they are vacuumed into the bug bag and in 24 hours they die due to dehydration.
About Manufacturer
Mosquito Magnet, is a leading pest product company that engineers long-term pest solutions that are scientifically proven to reduce mosquitoes.
They are the first company to sell commercial carbon dioxide emulating traps.
Awards:
The Mosquito Magnet was rated “Top Choice” for efficacy and ease of use by America’s leading consumer testing magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mosquito Magnet come with a propane tank?
No, it has to be purchased separately. It doesn’t come with any of the models listed above.
Does Mosquito Magnet work in the rain?
Yes, unlike spray repellents, it works without any issues in wet conditions.
Does the Mosquito Magnet attracts bees?
No, they don’t attract bees at all. They work best on mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects like black flies.
The one step that matters most: dump the standing water
No spray, zapper, or candle outperforms removing where mosquitoes breed. Females lay eggs in standing water, and larvae mature to biting adults in about a week, so empty or refresh anything that holds water — buckets, plant saucers, gutters, birdbaths, tarps, toys — every few days (CDC: Mosquito Control at Home). Pair that with an EPA-registered repellent for yourself and targeted control for the yard. The full plan is in every way to get rid of mosquitoes.