HexaTrap and HexaTrap CO₂ Capture usage tips
First of all, carefully read your device manual. It contains important information to install your trap properly and optimize your capture rate.
This page summarizes the main usage tips to get the best results.
This page summarizes the main usage tips to get the best results.
Role of the trap
HexaTrap and HexaTrap CO₂ Capture traps are designed to capture female mosquitoes seeking blood.
They are the ones that bite... because they need blood to reproduce.
The trap reproduces several signals that mimic human presence:
- Skin odor (attractant gel)
- Visual contrast
- Airflow
- CO₂ for the CO₂ Capture version
Attracted by these signals, mosquitoes approach the trap and are then sucked in and captured in the net, where they can no longer escape.
Trap placement
Proper positioning is the most important factor for the trap's effectiveness
Before installing your trap, check the following points:
POSITIONING CHECKLIST
- Install the trap outdoors at a minimum distance of 5 meters from the area to be protected (and therefore from you)
- Place the trap between the mosquitoes and you
- Prefer a humid and vegetated area (hedges, shrubs, plants)
- Place the trap on the ground on a flat surface
- Avoid direct sun exposure
- Shelter the trap from wind and heavy rain
- Leave at least 50 cm of clearance above the trap
- For the CO₂ Capture version: place the trap in the direction of the prevailing wind to properly diffuse CO₂
After installation, test the location for at least 3 days to observe the first results.
If captures are low, do not hesitate to test other locations.
If captures are low, do not hesitate to test other locations.
Starting the trap
- Screw the air ring onto the air duct located above the trap and fill the attractant gel receptacle. For the CO₂ Capture model, connect the CO₂ bottle.
- Position your HexaTrap correctly by following the positioning checklist
- Plug in the power cable then press the ON/OFF button. The fan will then start.
- Once the device is on, press the PROGRAM button to choose an operating cycle of 4, 6 or 12 hours.
- Let the device do its job!
Example: if you program a 4-hour cycle at 5 pm, the device will operate until 9 pm, then restart automatically the next day at 5 pm.
👉 To get the best results, it is recommended to let the trap run continuously, 24/7. The ventilation system is quiet and energy-efficient, which allows continuous operation.
Trap maintenance
- Empty the capture net regularly
- Clean the net if necessary
- Replace the attractant gel according to the recommended usage duration (as well as the CO₂ bottle for the CO₂ Capture version)
Regular maintenance helps maintain the trap's effectiveness.
Results: what to expect?
The trap works immediately, but results become more visible after a few days.
- The attractant signals must spread in the environment
- Mosquitoes must identify the trap
- Captures increase gradually
Why?
It is common to see an increase in captures in the first days, followed by a gradual decrease in mosquitoes. This usually means the local population is decreasing.
- Testing another location
- Checking for the presence of vegetated areas
- Removing stagnant water nearby
- Using multiple traps if the area to protect is large
If captures are low, you can improve results by:
Most common mistakes
❌ Placing the trap directly next to the table or garden lounge
❌ Installing the trap in full sun
❌ Putting the trap in a too wind-exposed area
❌ Waiting too long before installing it in the season
❌ Moving the trap every day
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between HexaTrap and HexaTrap CO₂ Capture?
Both traps work on the same principle: attract, suck in and capture female mosquitoes. The main difference concerns the attraction signal.
- HexaTrap: uses an attractant gel that reproduces the odor of human skin
- HexaTrap CO₂ Capture: combines the attractant gel with CO₂ diffusion, which reproduces not only the odor of human skin but also human presence in general (breathing). CO₂ acts as a signal detectable at longer distance and can increase trap attractiveness in heavily infested areas.
How many traps should I use for my property?
The number of traps depends on the area to protect and the terrain configuration.
- Up to 300 m² → 1 HexaTrap trap
- 500 m² and more → 1 HexaTrap CO₂ Capture trap
- Very vegetated property → several traps recommended
- Sloped or terraced property → several traps recommended
In general:
Do not hesitate to ask our experts for advice.
How does the mosquito hunt?
The mosquito does not find its prey by chance. It follows 4 very precise steps:
- Long-distance detection of CO₂
- Detection of dark, contrasting shapes
- Confirmation of the target by its odor
- Final approach then bite
HexaTrap traps reproduce these signals to trick mosquitoes and attract them to the trap. To understand in detail how this mechanism works, see the page Understand mosquitoes.