Safe-Home.com

Question about the Koolatron Cat and Dog Repeller, Battery Powered and the Koolatron Cat and Dog Repeller with AC Adapter

Q: "I have a home in an Atlantic Ocean coastal town near the beach. There is a constant stream of beach traffic including people with dogs. The dog owners pick up the droppings but of course not the urine which is killing my grass in several spots near the sidewalk. I tried the CD-01 without success. Do I have a bad unit?" The batteries last only about 12 days. Thanks Barry

Answer: I discussed this with my Koolatron rep at length. Heavy traffic and salt spray combine, he feels, to make this unit ineffective. He suggested a fence to discourage dogs from squatting. He reminded me that dogs tend to urinate where other dogs do. Also pet owners may be quite unhappy if their dogs cannot walk on the other side of the street.

My own recommendation, if you can do this, would be to install a low voltage above ground electric fence such as the Fi-Shock Economy Pet Deterrent Electric Fence Kit. Perhaps this could be discretely mounted in front of or just above behind a border type fence, preferably a UV stabilized PVC plastic fence.  The Koolatron Cat and Dog Repeller is better suited for backyard or side yard use or for a very deep front yard where it can be mounted to shoot the ultrasound, if activated, across the yard from the side.

These are the reasons not to use the Koolatron unit in your front yard or back yard near the ocean:

• The Koolatron CD-01 or CD-02 will activate every time that a person, animal or vehicle passes. That means the battery life will be short. Battery Life is determined by how many times the motion sensor picks up motion and triggers the ultrasound. Two batteries should last up to 2000 ultrasonic bursts, Of course, we humans won't hear the sound.
• A salt spray environment will cause corrosion of screws and perhaps the inside as well over time.
• The effective distance of the unit pointed toward the street is up to 85 ft in a 70 degree arc so folks across the street may also trip the alarm. Plus dogs across the street will be effected to their owners' chagrin.

If you don't want to put a "flower bed" type PVC fence in place then use the above ground low voltage electric fence alone. This is a single wire strung between PVS fence poles. The Fi-Shock™ economy pet deterrent kit trains pets and or keeps unwanted critters away. This product can be used to break your pets' bad habits and keep them fenced in. The electric fence delivers a mild shock, deterring animals from the area. It plugs into a standard 110 volt outlet and delivers continuous output.

The Fi-Shock electric fence kit includes the charger, 10-23” PVC fence poles, 1-22” ground rod, 100’ of aluminum wire, 50 cotter pins for fastening wire and 1 ground clamp. It is easy to install and has a 1 year limited warranty. Unless the dog/dogs jump over the fence, your yard will be protected from urine damage.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about octenol for Mosquito Magnet Traps.

Q: "Why do I need octenol for my Mosquito Magnet Propane Mosquito Trap?"thanks. Jack

Answer: Octenol increases your catch rate significantly when used with your Mosquito Magnet traps. Octenol is a naturally occurring by-product that comes from plants and some animals. Studies have shown that Octenol, when combined with carbon dioxide produced by Mosquito Magnet traps (not included), is very attractive to many different biting insects .  We recommend Octenol as an alternative to Lurex 3N for customers located in the northern United States. Use in Mosquito Magnet Defender, Mosquito Magnet Liberty, and Mosquito Magnet Liberty Plus.

Octenol - General Facts:

    * What is it? Octenol is an EPA registered secondary attractant that mimics human breath.  It is used in Mosquito Magnet® traps to attract biting insects including mosquitoes and no-see-ums.  Made in the U.S.A.
    * What are the active ingredients:? 1-Octen-3-ol, 55.15%, Other ingredients 44.85%. Each cartridge contains 1660 mg of Octenol.
    * Why should I use it along with the Mosquito Magnet® trap? Mosquito Magnet Octenol vs. CO2:The attractant Octenol increases your catch rates up to 10 times!  Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance; they may transmit diseases that are a serious health threat to people and pets.  It will lure biting insects to the Mosquito Magnet® trap and away from you and your family.
    * What Does It Attract? Octenol attracts most mosquito species, including salt marsh mosquitoes, as well as no-see-ums and black flies.  The insects are attracted by the Octenol and are drawn to the Mosquito Magnet® trap where they are captured, then dehydrate and die.
    * Which Mosquito Lure is Right for my Area? Those who live on the coast or Northern regions of the U.S. should use Octenol to attract mosquitoes, no-see-ums and black flies.There have been recent spottings of the Asian Tiger mosquito in Northern regions.  If you have tried Octenol and are still getting bit, try Lurex 3 ™
    * How Often Should The Cartridge Be Replaced? The Octenol cartridge should be replaced every 21 days. After 21 days of use, the cartridge appears the same; however, it will no longer be effective as the octenol will have been released.The catch rate will be reduced if the attractant is not changed

I hope this answers your question. Remember that Lurex is recommended for Use Lurex with all Mosquito Magnet traps if you live in the Southern USA. Mosquitoes are a nuisance and may also transmit diseases that pose serious health risks to people and pets. Lurex 3N is specifically designed for users who have the Asian Tiger Mosquito. It's most effective in southern USA states. This product simulates human sweat to attract mosquitoes which helps you to increase your catch rates.

What is Lurex3™ Mosquito Attractant? Lurex3™ is a patent-pending mosquito attractant that mimics naturally occurring human skin scents or odors known to attract mosquitoes.  This EPA-registered product is the only attractant developed for the Asian Tiger Mosquito.  It has been designed for use with all Mosquito Magnet® Traps. Made in the U.S.A.

What is in Lurex3? There are two active ingredients In the Lurex component the active ingredients includes lactic acid, 35.40%. In the  Ammonium Bicarbonate component,  Ammonium Bicarbonate  is 74.63%.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about controlling mosquitoes with mosquito traps.

Q: "How does a propane mosquito trap work? When should I install one? What are the advantages of one trap over another? Thanks. Jim"

Answer: Propane mosquito traps all work basically the same. The heat and moisture generated by the trap mimics the attractants of a perspiring human body i.e. carbon dioxide (CO2), moisture and body temperature (thermal imaging. The color, shape and airflow through the trap plus an additional attractant, octenol in the case of the Koolatron units also draws mosquitoes to the trap. Octenol can be hung from the other units as well. The best time to start a trap is when the first mosquito eggs are hatching. The goal is to capture the females before they reproduce again. Draining water from ponds or low lying areas or adding mosquito preventatives helps as female mosquitoes return to lay their eggs. The women wants the blood, not the males!

There are three kinds of larger traps sold by Safe Home Products. The all electric trap, the propane and electric which requires electricity to run the fan and the all propane.

Woodstream propane mosquito traps use no electrical power other than batteries, replaceable or rechargeable. Koolatron traps include all three types.

For early June 2010 thru July 1, 2010,  the MK-14 trap is being sold as a special summer bonus with free octenol plus a free propane tank cover.

The propane only traps have the advantage that you can move them downwind from your outdoor play areas. All that we sell protect up to about 1 acre except the electric one which is about 1/2 acre.

The Mosquito Magnet Executive Mosquito Trap by Woodstream has a patented Counterflow™ Technology that lures, captures and controls mosquitoes. This is a sophisticated unit with Smart Technology: 5 different user-friendly setting options plus 4 fuel savings modes to reduce propane use. The Mosquito Magnet® Executive can automatically start-up/power-down by itself using a rechargeable battery when the temperature reading is above or below 50° degrees. And you'll know when the battery is low, the propane is out or even when the propane nozzle is clogged. The self-contained mosquito net is rigid for better performance of the mosquito trap.

The Mosquito Magnet Independence Mosquito Trap by Woodstream also uses the Mosquito Magnet® patented Counterflow™ Technology and uses 4 C cells. Silent, odorless. Dual-tone color design is proven to attract more mosquitoes.

The Koolatron Mosquito Trap Guardian PRO-Summer Bonus Kit is offered only through June 17, 2010. Then the price increases significantly. Until then, the propane tank cover and extra octenol attractant are also included. This propane only trap, like the Woodstream traps, has a one year warranty. It uses no batteries, only propane.This is a more basic trap: change the propane tank about every 4 weeks, check at 3 weeks.

The Lentek Mosquito Trap Guardian MK12FE requires electricity to run the fan plus propane. This is the least expensive of the propane type units and works quite well although placement is limited by available electricity.

The 20 lb. propane tank and gas for all tanks must be purchased separately. Too hazardous to ship!

Thanks for your question. If you have questions about which one might best meet your needs, please email sales@safehomeproducts.com.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Deer Off II products by Havahart.

Q: "I am concerned about using chemical repellents because I don't want to pollute ground water or harm the environment. I just had my landscaping project started. How can I keep the deer, squirrels and other small animals from destroying it without constant attention? Would the Deer Off repellents meet my needs without harmful chemicals? I prefer a liquid to granules." Thanks from Steve.

Answer: New and improved Deer Off formulas (sometimes called DeerOff II) are liquids plus OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) listed® and compliant for use in organic gardening. Both are also EPA Registered for direct use on plants, bulbs, flowers and trees. Deer Off contains putrescent eggs solids (4.63%), garlic (.001%) and capsaicin (.001%). The concentrate is the most economical to use. Ideal for repelling deer,squirrels and rabbits. Weather-resistant formula lasts up to 90 days. Deer Off is made from natural and food based ingredients and proven effective by a Rutgers University study. Available in concentrate or ready-to-use battery operated sprayers which can be refilled. Deer Off is more powerful than Deer Off® with 4 times more putrescent egg, 1.5 times garlic and 1.5 times more capsaicin. Capsaicin is what makes chili peppers hot!

To protect your garden/landscaping, Havahart recommends beginning use of the Deer Off or Deer Off II immediately after shrubs, etc. are installed. Unless rainfall is excessive, results should last about 90 days. To supplement the organic compounds, consider adding Yardgard or Deergard ultrasonic repellers around the perimeter of your yard at varying heights for deer, rabbits, etc.

Thanks for your questions.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Victor Black Box Gopher Traps.

Q: " I live in Florida and the gophers are destroying my flowers and shrubs. The trees, I'm sure, are next to go. How do I stop this destruction safely and quickly?And how do I keep them from coming back?

Answer: Getting rid of well-established gophers can take time. That's why eradication needs to begin when the first tunnels are seen. Our customers typically use both the Black Box Gopher Traps which are inserted directly into the tunnels to trap and kill the gophers and the P3 International supersonic mole and gophers stakes inserted directly into the ground (not tunnels) to repel gophers from digging new tunnels. Once gophers are established, the maze of underground tunnels can be so extensive that getting rid of them can take months and months. Momma gophers, like all moms, are unlikely to leave their young: spring and fall are the best trapping times in northern climates.

The Victor Black Box Gopher Traps are best used in pairs. Each trap resembles a small tunnel blocked at the end except for an air hole. The springs are on top of each unit and are set with your thumbs to avoid catching hands in the spring. This is a closed loop snare trap.

Black Box Gopher Trap Specifications:
• Outside dimensions: 5.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide
• Interior dimensions: 5 5/8 inches long by 2.75 inches wide
• Choker Loop: approximately 2 inches wide by 1 1/4 inches high,
• Spring assembly (on top on the box), approximately 3 inches from curl of spring to catch and 3 inches between the two spring units.
• Vent hole in rear of trap: approximately 3/4 inch in diameter.

Gopher trapping can be done at any time of year, but generally is easiest and most effective during Spring & Fall. Once gopher activity is detected it is important to move quickly as pregnant females can be caught before giving birth to her family. Traps are most effective when properly placed in the gopher tunnel to snare the unsuspecting gopher in the spring-triggered loop. The hole should be covered up with dirt so that it appears as if the trap is part of the runway. When used correctly, traps produce a catch within 48 hours. It is best to move the trap to another location in the runway if you do not catch a gopher in this time frame.

To install, choose a fresh tunnel, peel back the grass (if in your lawn), remove any soil on top of the tunnel, set two traps (easy instructions are on the boxes) and insert back to back so there are two open ends for gophers to explore. The traps sit on the floor of the tunnel. Repack dirt on top and wait. Check daily. I suggest you wear garden gloves and use a large plastic bag to extract the gopher. Use a garden hose to wash trap off after you empty out the gopher/s. If 3 consecutive days pass and you've caught no gophers, move the traps to another tunnel. If the gopher/s fill the traps with dirt, push a carrot through the holes at the back of the traps, reset and replace the traps.

These trapping tips are from our website where we also have the complete instruction manual: If gopher/s pack trap with dirt. Place carrots in vent holes and reset traps Trap evening and early morning for best results. Wash traps with water after use. After trap has "fired", remove dead gopher from trap and reset in same hole until you've had three consecutive days of no catches.  

Thank you for your question.

Good luck.

Sincerely, Barbara

 

Question about the M230 Flea Trap by Woodstream

Q: "I am looking for a way to kill fleas in my dog kennel without using poisons. I also have dogs that winter in my house. Despite topical flea prevention treatments, we seem to get fleas in our house. And do they cause itching! How does the Ultimate Flea Trap work? Is it expensive to operate and maintain?" Thanks. Jack

Answer: This is an inexpensive unit to buy and to maintain. Victor Woodstream corporation's Ultimate Flea Trap attracts fleas and other insects with the light and heat from a 7 watt night light bulb. Once inside, the fleas are caught on a 7 inch diameter glue disc. So killing fleas no longer takes poisons. The trap is circular so the fleas can enter from all directions. Both the bulb and the glue disc are replaceable. There are hints on line that suggest a light and a bowl of water, a potentially deadly combination for fleas and for people as well.

This safe flea killing trap gets rid of fleas without risks or fuss. Capture rate is about 93%. With a one year warranty on everything but the light bulb and flea disc, the Ultimate Flea Trap works best near pet beds, bird cages, garage areas, etc. The disc should be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks no matter how many you've caught. It is ready to use except for inserting the light bulb and the glue disc. * Note: Flea trap population varies from week to week. Leave your trap on 24/7 as a preventative measure. Control fleas from stopping them from reproducing.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the king bedbug mattress and box spring protectors

Q: "What do I do now? My husband must have brought home bedbugs in his suitcase. We are itching and scratching. We've called an exterminator but he says there is no way to treat the mattress and box springs which were very expensive pillow tops." Thanks. Karyn

Answer: I recommend you cover both the mattress and box spring with individual Rest-Guard Deluxe King Bed total encasements that are 20 inches high. Also use Rest-Guard total encasement pillow covers on all your pillows in the bedroom and then cover your mattress with a fitted Rest-Guard waterproof mattress cover.

Any bed bugs you seal up in the Rest-Guard "Fully-enclosed" mattress covers will be trapped inside and will not be able to escape and will eventually die, the reason is because the inside of our covers are specially designed with a waterproof polyurethane backing on all six sides and have a re-enforced zipper liner which have smaller teeth, this prevents bedbugs and their eggs from escaping through the zipper teeth, which means you will not have to dis-guard your bed bug infested mattress or Box spring. Our manufacturer Rest-Guard recommends keeping the mattress covers intact for at least 12 months (bed bugs can live a very long time without feeding). The bed bugs and eggs inside will die, and the mattress is protected from further infestation.

Below are some notes from their website:

** Note: For cleaning & hygienic reasons, we suggest purchasing the Rest-Guard Fitted sheet Mattress protector, and place this cover over the fully-enclosed cover, simply remove the fitted sheet protector cover every 2-3 weeks and machine wash & dry as mentioned above and replace for continued protection.

** Note: Mattress covers can only trap bed bugs that are hiding on your mattress. You should also fully enclose your box spring as well to complete your bedding protection for both bed bugs and allergens. However, these covers will not protect you from other bed bugs hiding in your bedroom. For complete elimination of bed bugs from your bedroom and your home, you will need to contact a pest extermination specialist who understands how to rid your home of bed bugs.

Hope this helps. All is saved, not lost.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the product Product Code P3-P7816 P3 International Attack Wave Pest Repeller&

Q: "I was inquiring about using the P3 International Attack Wave Pest Repeller for a problem we have. We have recently purchased a log/cedar shake-home that has been vacant for at least 2+yrs, inspection done-some how... missed a "bunch-O-bats" Inside and out!!Never even knew they were there. I have to do something now!!.(2- KIDS) Do you, or can you recommend a product that will drive bats out of an immeadiate area? How many watts... hertzz... does it take to drive these things elsewhere?? Bat houses take up to a year or more to attract a colony? I could use any ideas!! Please HELP!!! Thanks again. LS

Answer: You certainly do have a challenge. Bat houses are the best answer and great for mosquito population reduction, too. The Attack Wave works quite well for indoor rodents. However, I would not recommend using these units for bats. I have several recommendations.

First is the Transonic Pro ultrasonic and sonic rodent and animal pest repeller.We've sold hundreds and hundreds of these for bats, cats, rats, etc. A log type reception center in Cedar Rapids mounted them on the walls inside the reception area to clear out the bats. Customer have placed them in attics, outside under covered areas up high to chase off bats, etc. Results have been excellent. You will need at least 2 units inside your attic, more if your attic has an irregular shape. These use AC power. Outside you'll need at least one on each outside wall, probably up high where the bats congregate.

A second is the Evictor Strobe Light This is a permanent installation of a 175,000 candlepower strobe light unit that has a low wattage bulb. Although made for squirrels and roof rats, this unit also gets rid of bats. It is a high intensity strobe light mounted in the attic. There are tests being run currently by a testing lab on bats so this can be put on the labeling. Depending upon the attic size and shape, you may need two of these installed 2 to 3 feet above the floor. If you use these in conjunction with the Transonic Pro units, your results should be even faster.

A third is the Quadblaster. This is an industrial strength ultrasonic repeller for larger areas. One customer who installed on in his warehouse said that not only did bats and birds vanish but also the rats and mice disappeared.

Knowing the size and configuration of your home would help. Please feel free to phone us or send us additional information including digital photos by email.

Hope some of these ideas help. Thanks for your questions.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Barbara reviews the Squirrel Evictor MB10K and MB100K strobe lights These pest animal control units are mounted in attics or crawl spaces. Home pest control includes these environmentally safe strobe lights that get rid of roof rats, squirrels, raccoons, feral cats and mice. No damage to your building, no poisons, no traps, no repeat visits by exterminators, no decaying animal smells, no harm to the animals.

Question about Koolatron Mosquito Trap, the Guardian Mosquito Trap MK12

Q: "How difficult is it to install and maintain the MK12 Koolatron mosquito trap?" Thanks.

Answer: I recommend this unit because it is relatively inexpensive, easy to set up and maintain and should give you years of mosquito control.

It takes me about 5 minutes to set up the MK12 propane mosquito trap. That includes moving the unit from storage on my back porch, installing the propane tank and turning on the gas (screw on after setting it on the unit's base), plugging in the cord to an outside outlet, hanging the octenol attractant and lighting the flame. The only maintenance is changing out the propane tank few months or so and replacing the octenol every 3 weeks. I suggest you weigh the full tank and an empty tank so you have an idea when a tank is really empty. Here in Iowa you get charged for a fill whether that is 5 lbs or 20 lbs. And shaking out the capture container at the end of the season or more often if your mosquito population is out of control. (The mosquitoes dry up and disintegrate into almost dust like particles).   More...