How to Make a Bottle Trap for Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance, especially during warmer months. One effective and environmentally friendly way to reduce their numbers is by making a simple bottle trap using common household items. This trap works by attracting mosquitoes with a sugar and yeast mixture, which produces carbon dioxide—a known mosquito attractant. Once inside the bottle, the mosquitoes are trapped and eventually die. Here’s how you can make your own bottle trap.

Materials You’ll Need:

• A 2-liter plastic bottle
• 1 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of dry yeast
• Scissors
• Tape or glue
• A piece of dark fabric or paper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bottle:
   • Start by cutting the plastic bottle in half. You’ll use both parts, so make sure the cut is clean and even.
2. Mix the Attractant:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the water until it’s warm (not boiling).
   • Add the brown sugar and stir until it’s fully dissolved.
   • Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then pour it into the bottom half of the bottle.
3. Add the Yeast:
   • Sprinkle the dry yeast into the sugar water. There’s no need to stir it; the yeast will activate on its own and start producing carbon dioxide.
4. Assemble the Trap:
   • Take the top half of the bottle (the one with the neck) and invert it so that it forms a funnel.
   • Place this funnel into the bottom half of the bottle, with the neck pointing down toward the sugar mixture.
   • Secure the two halves together with tape or glue to ensure the funnel stays in place.
5. Cover the Trap:
   • Wrap the exterior of the bottle with a piece of dark fabric or paper. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so this will help draw them in.
6. Place the Trap:
   • Set your trap in an area where mosquitoes are most active, such as near windows, doors, or in your garden. For best results, place it in a shaded spot, as mosquitoes tend to avoid direct sunlight.
7. Monitor and Replace:
   • Check the trap every few days. You’ll see that mosquitoes are getting trapped in the bottle. Replace the sugar mixture every two weeks to keep the trap effective.

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area. This DIY trap is not only cost-effective but also a great way to control mosquitoes without the use of harmful chemicals.