Mosquitoes are not only irritating, but they also pose a serious health hazard, as they transmit deadly diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus. In a survival situation, avoidance of mosquito bites is critical, and having a DIY mosquito trap can be a lifesaver. This blog post will explore how to make a simple and effective DIY mosquito trap that can help keep your camping or survival area mosquito-free.
Materials needed:
– 2-liter plastic bottle
– Black construction paper
– Scissors
– Tape
– Yeast
– Brown sugar
– Warm water
Instructions:
Step 1: Cut the plastic bottle
Take a 2-liter plastic bottle and remove the wrapper. Using a pair of scissors, cut off the top of the bottle where it starts to taper. Keep the top part of the bottle for later use.
Step 2: Apply black paper
Cut a piece of black construction paper that is long enough to wrap around the entire bottom part of the bottle. Use tape to secure the paper to the bottle.
Step 3: Mix ingredients
Take 1/4 cup of brown sugar and mix it with warm water in a bowl. Add a packet of yeast and mix well.
Step 4: Add the mixture
Pour the mixture into the bottom part of the bottle that has been covered in black paper. Make sure the solution has cooled down sufficiently before adding it to the bottle.
Step 5: Attach the top
Take the top part of the bottle that was cut earlier, turn it upside down and place it on top of the bottom part of the bottle. Make sure it fits snugly.
Step 6: Place the trap
Place the trap in a mosquito-infested area and let it do its job. The trap will attract the mosquitoes using the carbon dioxide from the yeast and sugar mixture. Once the mosquitoes fly in, they will have a hard time finding their way out.
Additional Tips:
– Place the trap in a shaded area as mosquitoes are more active in the evening and early morning.
– Keep the trap away from where you will be residing or sitting as the mosquitoes it captures can still be irritating and can potentially transmit diseases.
– Remember to change the mixture every two weeks to keep the trap effective.
– For a more effective trap, add a drop of dish soap to the mixture. This will create bubbles, which will help trap the mosquitoes.
Conclusion:
Mosquitoes are not only annoying but also dangerous, especially in a survival situation. While commercial mosquito traps are available, they can be expensive. This DIY mosquito trap can be made with materials that are readily available in most homes and is a cost-effective and easy solution to a potentially life-threatening problem. Remember that while this trap can help prevent mosquito bites, it is still important to use other methods such as insect repellents and protective clothing to prevent exposure to mosquitoes.