Updated On

January 11, 2024

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    When it comes to treating flying insects, airborne insecticides can only do so much. Sprays, foggers, and the like are easy for pests like mosquitoes to dodge and avoid. Traps and electronic bug zappers that use a lure produce the best results, and Dynatrap is a well-known brand in this department. 

    A Dynatrap works by using UV light, CO2 emissions, and a fan to lure mosquitoes into a trap.

    Flying insect traps come in many different varieties, some of which work well and some that do not meet expectations. Let’s explore all of the features in this Dynatrap review to give you a well-rounded view of the product to determine if it will meet your expectations. 

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    What Is a Dynatrap?

    A Dynatrap is a flying insect trap with specific features geared towards catching mosquitoes.

    dynatrap 3 overview

    Before getting into the specific features of the Dynatrap, it helps to know a bit about mosquito behavior.

    Mosquitoes primarily feed on plant nectar and decaying organic matter if nearby. During the reproduction cycle, however, female mosquitoes need blood either from people or animals to complete the reproduction cycle. Since mosquitoes reproduce constantly, this is the reason for non-stop biting during the warm months of the year. 

    There are many different methods to treat mosquitoes in your yard, including mosquito misting systemsmosquito yard sprays, and mosquito foggers. All of these methods take work and involve spraying pesticides outdoors. A mosquito trap works differently by trying to lure the mosquitoes in, rather than attack them with pesticides.

    How Does a Dynatrap Work?

    A Dynatrap works by using three different features which is why you’ll sometimes see people call these products “Dynatrap3”.

    A Dynatrap’s first attractant is a powerful UV light to which mosquitoes (and most flying insects) are naturally attracted. This light is only really effective at night time when it’s not competing with the sun or in heavily shaded areas where mosquitoes like to spend most of the day.

    The second lure for the mosquitoes is actually the paint of the trap itself. The paint contains “a Ti02 titanium dioxide-coated surface which produces CO2”. Carbon dioxide is the same gas that we exhale when we breathe which is the main factor in how mosquitoes find us to bite us. This is why mosquito repellents typically have a strong scent to them, to cover the CO2 scent.

    The third feature of the trap is a fan which helps suck the insects into the trap cage, where they will eventually dehydrate, being unable to escape. Mosquitoes are really weak fliers so most fans are plenty strong enough for this purpose.

    By combining these 3 features together, you get a flying insect trap that outperforms traditional traps.

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    Does Dynatrap Really Work?

    All of these features sound great in theory, but does Dynatrap actually work?

    In a research study by the Journal of the Florida Mosquito Control Association, it was found that a Dynatrap in which both UV light and CO2 emissions was more successful at luring and capturing mosquitoes than traps using UV light alone. 

    dynatrap 3 bugs inside

    All of the components of a Dynatrap work well with the other in reducing mosquitoes, but it can be said that the CO2 emissions are the primary stand-out feature of the trap. Mosquitoes search for carbon dioxide since this confirms a viable host for which they can extract blood. The insects are not intelligent enough to know the difference between a person and a machine. 

    Once a mosquito lands on the rim of the Dynatrap, the air is strong enough to suck them inside instantaneously. Once inside the trap, they cannot escape, and the insects die in about 24 hours. 

    Traps that simply use UV light alone may be effective at luring the mosquitoes to the trap, but there is no guarantee they will land within the fan’s radius. 

    What’s Included in the Dynatrap Box?

    Each Dynatrap comes with a twist dome that supports the hanging loop and is what powers the trap on and off by twist, as well as the trap base that is connected to a power cord. There are no additional accessories needed. 

    dynatrap 3 overview 2

    They also include a small cleaning brush for when you’re cleaning insects out of the trap.

    Other than that, there’s nothing else you really need. Just plug the trap in, and it will go to work. The UV light does “wear down” over time and needs to be replaced every 2-3 years.

    What Insects Does a Dynatrap Kill/Trap?

    Because of the presence of UV light alone, a Dynatrap will draw in practically any flying insect that lands on the base of the trap. This includes moths, flies, gnats, stink bugs, and wasps of all varieties. 

    Where Can You Use a Dynatrap?

    Dynatraps are made in multiple sizes and many will be labeled as indoor or outdoor based on what specifically they were designed for, but you can feasibly use any model either indoors or outdoors. The fan is ultra-quiet, and you would need to have your ears close to the product to hear the fan. 

    If you want to use your Dynatrap outdoors, a large-size model is likely your best bet. The outdoor models are labeled for the size of the property you’re trying to cover – 1 acre, half an acre, etc.

    When placing the trap outdoors, you should try to keep it away from other dominant light sources, like a porch light. Large models can draw in mosquitoes up to an acre in all directions. 

    If you want to use a Dynatrap indoors, the smaller units are ideal. These units are compact and lightweight and can be placed practically anywhere. 

    An important detail to keep in mind is that Dynatraps are powered solely by electricity. The power cord on most models is 6 feet long so it should reach most indoor outlets but if you need to place a trap some considerable distance outdoors, you will need to make sure you have a long and durable extension cord to run the trap. 

    Where Should You Place the Dynatrap?

    Proper placement of the Dynatrap is key. Many homeowners will mistakenly place the trap on the front or back porch where the main light will clash with the low-luminosity attractant of the UV light within the trap. 

    It’s not practical to run the light during the day since mosquitoes typically prefer to search for human blood at night with dawn and dusk being the most active times. If you want to run the product during the day, hang the trap from a tree with ample amounts of shade underneath or in a dark garage if you have mosquito problems in sheds. 

    It may also help to place the trap a good distance away from your home. If you are congregating outside, the mosquitoes will ignore the trap and head directly for you. Place the trap about 40ft away from the home with an extension cord to keep mosquitoes away from the home and drawn solely to the CO2 emissions of the Dynatrap. 

    Additionally, height is also a key point to remember. Be sure and suspend the Dynatrap at least 3-6ft from the ground. Mosquitoes are not ground-dwelling insects, and their vision is typically not focused on the ground or anything smaller and lower to the ground than the height of a person or a dog for example. 

    Mosquitoes are also such lightweight and weak fliers that they don’t like to venture too high in the sky so anything higher than 6 feet may not catch their interest.

    Indoors, it is best to follow the same procedures and at least place a Dynatrap in rooms with little to no light sources. Always remember that if you are in the same room as the trap, you’re a competing source of CO2 so you may still draw their interest.. 

    How Do You Clean the Trap?

    Cleaning a Dynatrap is designed to be easy and quick. For quick cleaning, all you need to do is power down the trap by twisting it to the off position. Be sure and unplug the trap as well just to be safe. 

    Twist the bottom retaining cage until it detaches from the top base. Depending on the model, such as most outdoor-themed models, there may be screws in place holding the retaining cage to the top base. If so, twist these off with a screwdriver to remove the retaining cage. 

    Simply empty the dead insects and debris into a trash bag and use the included brush to scrape and brush any remaining debris into the trash can as well. Put the trap back together and this is all that is needed for basic cleaning. Be careful not to press down too hard on the cage screen to prevent puncturing it. 

    Sometimes you may also need to clean the fan to remove dust or debris that builds up. For this process, the included brush should be used once you detach the retaining cage and have access to the fan blades. Be sure to remove all the dust and debris until the blades are clean to keep the blades running effectively. 

    Do I Need to Replace the Bulb?

    The UV bulbs in most Dynatrap models should be replaced after every 3,000 hours of use, which is roughly every 4 months. If you live in an area with low to moderate mosquito activity, once per year should be enough to cover a mosquito season of approximately May-September.

    Generally speaking, the replacement process will be the same for nearly all models with some slight structural differences. All you need to do is remove the screws holding the plastic guard over the bulb(s). Then, twist the old bulbs out and twist new bulbs in place and refasten the plastic guard. 

    Product Comparisons

    Let’s take a look at how a Dynatrap differs from some common zappers and traps that use different methods. 

    Dynatrap vs. Bug Zapper

    A bug zapper relies on UV light and accompanying lures and attractants to lure in mosquitoes to an electrical grid that zaps them with high voltage. These products can be effective, but there are a couple of problems that consumers frequently report with these products. 

    First, bug zappers are noisy. Whenever any object hits the electrical grid, an incessant and loud zapping noise can be heard. This can be a problem for consumers that own dogs or other pets because the reaction pets have to the noise, is similar to the discomfort they hear when fireworks go off. 

    This can also be incredibly annoying at night when you are sleeping. 

    Second, depending on the range of voltage in a zapper, the products can be dangerous to the touch. 

    A Dynatrap uses no electrical grid or voltage to kill mosquitoes and flying insects. Due to this reason, Dynatrap is much safer for use indoors and outside. 

    Dynatrap vs. Mosquito Magnet

    A mosquito magnet, like a Dynatrap, is a highly effective product for controlling mosquitoes. This product uses propane to create carbon dioxide through the process of controlled combustion. 

    While there is no open flame, an electronic device combusts the propane, releasing a steady stream of carbon dioxide. As the carbon dioxide leaves the unit, it passes over the secondary attractant known as octenol.

    The product then blows this mixture of carbon dioxide and octenol out of a central nozzle. At the same time, a powerful suction is created in a ring that sits around the output nozzle. This system, known as counterflow technology, puts the suction as close as possible to the attractant. 

    Once the insects are sucked into the Mosquito Magnet they are deposited in a small net, where they slowly dehydrate and die. After about 24 hours, the mosquitos can be discarded into a trash can. Simply replace the net and the device will continue to catch more mosquitos, reducing the overall population. 

    A Mosquito Magnet will be more effective at capturing mosquitoes compared to a Dynatrap and it will cover a wider range, but a Mosquito Magnet is much more expensive to buy upfront. A Mosquito Magnet also requires changing out a propane tank every month or so.

    If you’re very serious about outdoor mosquito control then a Mosquito Magnet would be a better option if you’re willing to invest the money. A Mosquito Magnet cannot be used for indoor mosquito control, though.

    Dnyatrap vs. Flowtron

    Flowtron’s and Dynatraps are similar in design and model variation but completely different in terms of mosquito control. 

    A Flowtron uses an electrical grid with various ranges of voltage to kill flying insects once they land upon it. We have already covered the problems and dangers associated with zappers, and a Flowtron is not much different since this is the main control mechanism the product uses. 

    A Dynatrap is a bit more expensive when compared to a Flowtron, but many consumers appreciate the safety and quietness of a Dynatrap when compared to a bug zapper. 

    Zappers are effective and they certainly work, but Dynatrap wins the comparison thanks to its effective attractant capabilities and safe trapping of flying insects to be disposed of later. 

    Final Dynatrap Review Thoughts

    In summary, a Dynatrap is an effective, safe, easy-to-use, and quiet product to consider for mosquito control. The product uses two attractants, UV light, and most importantly CO2 emissions to lure in mosquitoes and gnats to be sucked down by a quiet fan into a holding cage. 

    A Dynatrap is easy to clean and all you have to replace are the bulbs after every 3,000 hours of use. If you prioritize safety and a quiet product compared to the problems that can come with zappers and propane-powered devices, a Dynatrap is certainly a product worth considering. 

    Editorial Contributors
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    Sam Wasson

    Staff Writer

    Sam Wasson graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Film and Media Arts with an Emphasis in Entertainment Arts and Engineering. Sam brings over four years of content writing and media production experience to the Today’s Homeowner content team. He specializes in the pest control, landscaping, and moving categories. Sam aims to answer homeowners’ difficult questions by providing well-researched, accurate, transparent, and entertaining content to Today’s Homeowner readers.

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    Lora Novak

    Senior Editor

    Lora Novak meticulously proofreads and edits all commercial content for Today’s Homeowner to guarantee that it contains the most up-to-date information. Lora brings over 12 years of writing, editing, and digital marketing expertise. She’s worked on thousands of articles related to heating, air conditioning, ventilation, roofing, plumbing, lawn/garden, pest control, insurance, and other general homeownership topics.

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