Mosquito Control

SkeeterVac FAQ's

Blue Rhino SkeeterVac - Enjoy your yard again!

  • Will you export the Skeetervac? Will you ship to my country?
  • Why should I buy your SkeeterVac over other well known products?
  • How does SkeeterVac work?
  • Why is the unit Propane Powered and why is that important?
  • What makes SkeeterVac different?
  • Where is the best location to position the SkeeterVac?
  • When should the SkeeterVac operate?
  • Does the SkeeterVac produce results immediately?
  • How much area does each SkeeterVac cover?
  • How long does a 20 lb. Cylinder of propane last?
  • How often do the bait blocks need to be replaced?
  • How does SkeeterVac Trap mosquitoes?
  • Does the SkeeterVac kill other biting insects?
  • Are there any limitations of where I can use this product?
  • What is in the Bait Block and is it harmful to humans?
  • How do I know how to adjust my customized baiting system?
  • How long can I expect the propane powered motor to last?
  • Does the SkeeterVac make a lot of noise or put out bad odors?
  • How much does it cost to run the unit?
  • What happens if my pet or child knocks the unit over?
  • How do I register my new SkeeterVac?
  • Where can I get a new manual?
  • What if I can't find the answer to my question here?
  • Does the Skeetervac have a warranty?

     

    Question  Will you export the Skeetervac? Will you ship to my country?
    Our products are available for shipment to the US only. However, We will ship to an exporter, freight forwarder, or shipping logistics company in the U.S.A. You will be responsible for the rest of the arrangements.
    Note: We do not ship to any other country, Military APO or AE Addresses.
    Shipment to Alaska can only go Second Day Air, costs around $100 more.
    Shipment to Hawaii also has to go air and runs around $100.00 extra.
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    Question  Why should I buy your SkeeterVac over other well known products?
    The SkeeterVac provides the commercial performance, technology, and quality of mosquito abatement products that typically cost over $1,000. No electricity is required. Blue Rhino SkeeterVac generates its electricity from a high-tech thermoelectric system located in the engine. You don't have to worry about power cords that can be tripped over, cut by lawnmowers, or damaged by animals. Relocating and storage is quick and easy. FineTune Maximum Protection Baiting System, no other mosquito abatement machine provides you the ability customize your chemical attractant output for the species of mosquitoes in your backyard.
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    Question  How does SkeeterVac work?
    SkeeterVac is the result of years of research and development to improve outdoor living by reducing the amount of biting mosquitoes. This sophisticated product marries superior mechanical performance with the proven scientific standards to effectively attract mosquitoes. This is achieved by capturing and killing female mosquitoes since they are the only ones that sting and lay eggs. Propane from a standard grill cylinder is converted into carbon dioxide and water vapor in a catalytic engine system and expelled in a plume that includes a chemical attractant. Female mosquitoes seeking a blood meal to nourish their eggs sense those cues are coming from a human and are attracted to the machine. When they approach they are vacuumed into the trap where they quickly dehydrate and die.
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    Question  Why is the unit Propane Powered and why is that important?
    Propane is a key part of the functionality for the SkeeterVac. It provides the energy source to a thermal electric module which provides electricity to the engine fans - essential to the operation of the appliance, and the ON indicator light. Plus CO2, which is naturally created when propane is processed, is a known attractant to mosquitoes.
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    Question  What makes SkeeterVac different?
    The FineTune Maximum Protection Baiting System. The SkeeterVac has been developed with the proven scientific insight of knowing different mosquitoes require different formulations of attractants. By being able to vary the level of octenol dispersed by SkeeterVac, the consumer is able to have a more effective means of reducing the area mosquito population.
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    Question  Where is the best location to position the SkeeterVac?
    It is recommended to position the SkeeterVac away from the outdoor living area (20 - 40 ft), ideally in a bedded or shrub area. It may be necessary to move the unit to another area of the yard to improve the capture rate as the season progresses and weather patterns change.
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    Question  When should the SkeeterVac operate?
    The SkeeterVac is designed and will provide optimal performance when operated consistently 24 hours a day. By having the attractant being dispersed at all times, it creates an environment to attract and collapse the mosquito population.
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    Question  Does the SkeeterVac produce results immediately?
    Yes. But it is not a quick fix. The moment the SkeeterVac is turned on, the unit is working to biologically attract mosquitoes. Although the unit is working properly, it is not uncommon for the capture rate to be relatively low for the first several weeks. There are a lot of variables: weather conditions, day and nighttime temperatures, and wind conditions to name just a few. The Skeetervac works by collapsing the population and that takes some time.
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    Question  How much area does each SkeeterVac cover?
    SkeeterVac SV-5100 provides coverage 1 + acres. The SkeeterVac SV-3100 covers up to 1 acre.  We often get asked if the SkeeterVac is too much for smaller yards than 1 acre; the answer is No.  Mosquitoes will be attracted from surrounding areas and by capturing them and killing mosquitoes you will interrupt the breeding cycle.
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    Question  How long does a 20 lb. Cylinder of propane last?
    A properly filled 20 lb propane cylinder will last approximately 18-21 days. On the newer Skeetervacs, the gague will be in the green when operating. On 2003 models, the "on" indicator light will flash when the unit is operating and assures all components are functioning properly. When the light is off, it is most likely the propane fuel source has been depleted and it is time to replace.
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    Question  How often do the bait blocks need to be replaced?
    The Bait blocks are specially designed in a time-released delivery system to provide 60 days of attractant.
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    Question  How does SkeeterVac Trap mosquitoes?
    As the SkeeterVac vacuums the mosquito in the trap, they are captured in a wire mesh trap net. The mosquito is kept in the net due to the constant vacuuming effect, and will die within hours of dehydration. The Trap Net should be emptied when full. Many mosquitoes are also caught by the Tac Trap that surround the top of the unit.
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    Question  Does the SkeeterVac kill other biting insects?
    SkeeterVac is effective in attracting, trapping and killing mosquitoes, black flies, sand flies, no-see-ums and biting midges. SkeeterVac does not attract garden friendly moths, butterflies, bees, or ladybugs.
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    Question  Are there any limitations of where I can use this product?
    SkeeterVac is for outdoor use only.
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    Question  What is in the Bait Block and is it harmful to humans?
    Octenol is the active chemical used in SkeeterVac's Baiting System. Octenol is a pesticide used as a sensory stimulate to mosquitoes to lure to a host that would provide a blood-meal. Octenol is an EPA registered product and should be handled in accordance to predefined guidelines, as with any other pesticide product.
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    Question  How do I know how to adjust my customized baiting system?
    We suggest you start at the mif-range setting and adjust up or down to test different catch rates and which works best for you, or call for expert advice: 1-866-667-8454
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    Question  How long can I expect the propane powered motor to last?
    The SkeeterVac has been engineered and manufactured the engine for years of dependable service. We believe consumers should receive up to 5 years without any required service if the equipment is used and stored as instructed. We have been using an SV27 for 5 years now and it is still working today.
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    Question  Does the SkeeterVac make a lot of noise or put out bad odors?
    SkeeterVac functions day-in and day-out without disturbing you. The fan systems are difficult to hear from only a few feet away. The bait chips provide a slight odor around the machine but cannot be detected several feet away. The size of the appliance and the color scheme are unobtrusive in most backyard settings.
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    Question  How much does it cost to run the unit?
    On average it costs less than $1.00 per day for propane, bait blocks to cover up to an acre of property.
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    Question  What happens if my pet or child knocks the unit over?
    SkeeterVac is sturdy but in the event it is knocked on its side, SkeeterVac will safely operate. Note - This practice is not recommended. Standard propane cylinders should only be transported, operated and stored in the vertical position.
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    Question  How do I register my new SkeeterVac?
    You should register your SkeeterVac using the enclosed registration card. We also keep a record of your purchase and can help with any warranty issues.
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    Question  Where can I get a new manual?
    You can download a pdf version by going to this page: SkeeterVac Download Center, and then choose the pdf file that you need.
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    Question  What if I can't find the answer to my question here?
    You can contact us at 866-667-8454
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    Question  Does the SkeeterVac have a warranty?
    All SkeeterVac mosquito traps come with a 1 year warranty.  We offer an additional warranty very inexpensively.

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