How the MidgeMaster works
Female (biting) midges and other biting insects detect carbon dioxide, warmth and moisture, all of which are exhaled by humans and animals. They then use these to navigate to their victim for a meal. The MidgeMaster converts propane gas to these three components (patented catalytic converter system) and emits them. In addition to this, it releases a plume of octenol, a scent produced by large herbivores which is extremely attractive to midges, at a level which is virtually undetectable to humans. This combination of emissions is released in a large and constant plume, which strongly attracts the insects to the machine. The insects are then sucked into the machine and trapped in a net where they dehidrate and die before being able to bite anyone or lay eggs. This counterflow technology has been patented.
The number of midges is dramatically reduced, the improvement often being noticed within days of the start of use of the MidgeMaster. Depending on the machine model, 0.25 to 3 million midges can be caught initially over 24 hours in areas of high midge density. Due to catching of the female midges before egg-laying, the midge breeding cycle is interrupted within 4 to 6 weeks, generally resulting in a further big reduction in the midge population. Obviously, the daily catch rate falls as the machine reduces the midge density. Use of the MidgeMaster each year results in each successive year having a lower initial hatch of midges so there is a progressive reduction in the midge population over the years.
For maximum effect, the MidgeMaster should be placed between the source and resting area of the midges (wet area, probably with undergrowth) and the humans or animals to be protected.
The MidgeMasters are easy to assemble, operate and maintain. The maintenance required is simply to renew the propane gas (11kg bottle) and the octenol every 3 weeks, also to flush the fuel system every 9 weeks (using 12g carbon dioxide canister) and to empty or change the net when half full.
We supply all the necessary equipment except for the propane gas, which can be easily purchased from bottled gas suppliers.
Effectiveness of the MidgeMaster compared to that of other insect trapping devices.
The MidgeMaster has been designed by a company that understands biting insects and their behaviour after over 12 years of continued research
The MidgeMaster is made by American Biophysics Corp., a company that has always focused on research into the behaviour of mosquitoes, midges and biting insects. That is all they do! The team of scientists has a distinguished record of contributions to the field of entomology. It is the only company in the world that records the blood sucking insects’ neural responses to understand their behaviour and utilises the information for the design and development of traps and attractants. In fact, the company scientists categorised and positively identified the neuron used by blood sucking insects for navigation.
Catalytic conversion of propane into carbon dioxide (patented system) - no open flame.
Some other makes of insect trap generate carbon dioxide by open flame. You should be wary of these as they are also likely to generate carbon monoxide, which is very poisonous. Open flames are not completely safe.
Some other makes of trap run on processed carbon dioxide from cylinders. Running costs are likely to be up to 6 times that of MidgeMaster and this system is likely to be less safe than the MidgeMaster.
Constant emission of correct amount of carbon dioxide
Not all traps constantly emit enough carbon dioxide to attract midges at the maximum rate. The MidgeMaster counterflow technology (patented) allows constant emission of the right amount of carbon dioxide, which is crucial to reach the maximum catch rate, while simultaneously vacuuming insects into the net.
Use of a powerful additional attractant
Octenol is a scent produced by large herbivores. It is a powerful attractant to midges. It is virtually undetectable to humans when the MidgeMaster is operating. It considerably enhances the catch rate due to carbon dioxide, warmth and moisture. Not all other makes of trap use octenol or any attractant in addition to carbon dioxide.
Midge behaviour on reaching a victim
MidgeMaster takes advantage of the midge’s instinct to only turn upwards as it approaches the trap. Not all other traps do this.
Robust design & all weather performance
We consider it essential for our machines to withstand the Scottish weather and last for many years to make your investment more worthwhile. Some other companies appear to place less importance on this. Industrial strength PVC casing is used for the MidgeMaster, as in marine engineering. The strong metal bases of the Liberty Plus and Pro series models are powder coated to prevent rusting.
In addition to this, the Pro models have a removable power pack, containing all the operating components, which gives them virtually unlimited life, by allowing rebuilding or upgrading indefinitely.
There is a team of MidgeMaster engineers based in this country, and we give a full year’s warranty with every model.
Several patented design features
This allows the MidgeMaster to have a unique and highly effective design not built into other manufacturers’ traps.
No other midge trap has been scientifically and independently proven to be as effective as the MidgeMaster
This claim can be supported by data and testimonials from the US Department of Agriculture, the US Center for Disease control, the US Navy, the US coastguard and independent nationally renowned entomologists from across the world.
The Pro Model was the best selling midge trap in the UK in 2003 (the situation is likely to be the same this year and in the future).