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HOW IT WORKS
The BiteShield Guardian, MK-12 utilizes the documented attractiveness of carbon dioxide (CO2), moisture, body temperature
(thermal imaging), color, shape and airflow in an effective design that captures and kills mosquitoes. Similar traps have been
i
n use for years by universities, state monitoring programs and researchers around the world. The BiteShield Guardian,
MK-12 uses this traditional trapping approach, combined with the latest in research, to turn the female mosquito’s natural hunt-
ing techniques toward seeking out the trap and thus, facilitating their capture in a product that private home owners can use.
This is how the female mosquito reacts to the trap: At a fairly long distance (up to 12.2m/40ft. away), it senses the CO
2 and
m
oisture coming from the unit’s burner. This tells the mosquito that there is a “breathing” creature around. It flies towards the
source of CO
2 and moisture. As it travels, at a range of approx. 4.6m/15ft., it starts to sense temperature similar to that of a
living creature (thermal imaging). The unique design of the MK-12 has 3 different thermal-imaging systems (patents pending): a)
static thermal imaging, where in the body of the trap, there is warmth at the top surfaces of the “neck” similar to that of living
beings. This temperature is constant and generates consistent heat waves that attract the mosquitoes closer to trap. b) Spot ther-
mal imaging: The black dome-like surface of the trap is warmed up at different points to be similar to living being’s temperatures.
Live beings do not have a consistent temperature across the body. This sends a message to the mosquitoes saying that this
variation of temperatures is similar to a live animal. c) Dynamic thermal imaging: The heaters inside the trap turn on and off
constantly to send a movement-like signal to the mosquito which incites it’s hunting instincts. Once the mosquito senses this
temperature variation at the black surface, it will try to land on top of it because it “thinks” the warm spots are bloodstream
veins under the skin of a living creature. The top of this area is covered by a vacuum air flow caused by the internal fan which
pulls the mosquitoes into the trap in a swirl-flow motion thanks to the unique design of the internal components of the trap.
The vacuum airflow goes straight into the receptacle with grilled openings depositing inside of it all the mosquitoes that were
attracted, where they stay trapped until they dehydrate and ultimately die.
WHERE TO PLACE
Many species of mosquitoes have an adult life span that lasts about two weeks. Approximately 3,000 species of mosquitoes
have been identified world-wide. Both male and female mosquitoes feed on plant nectar, but only the female requires a blood
meal. The blood feeding is needed for each batch of eggs the female lays, typically feeding once every 3-4 days. If the mos-
quito is not disturbed, during the biting process, a blood feeding usually lasts about 90 seconds and the amount of blood is
1-1/2 times its body weight. A single female mosquito may lay thousands of eggs, during her lifetime.
The female mosquito is attracted to a host by carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, scent, color, shape, movement and for
some species, even sound. The female mosquito is usually most active between 10°C/50°F and 35°C/95°F while in calm or
light breeze conditions. Mosquitoes tend to travel up-wind when seeking a blood feeding.
The placement of the Mosquito Trap will greatly affect the success of the unit’s ability to capture mosquitoes.
The largest amount of mosquitoes will be captured by positioning the mosquito trap 9.1m/30ft. to 12.2m/40ft. away from the
location you want to protect, in the normal down-wind direction towards where mosquitoes are living (trees, bushes and
water). To find the best starting point in your yard for trap placement, walk about 3-4.6m/10-15ft away from the deck (patio,
porch) area that you want to primarily protect. Light a smoky incense and watch which direction the smoke drifts while stand-
ing there. Next, move about 1.5-2.4m/5-8ft to the left of the original spot and repeat. Then 1.5-2.4m/5-8ft. to the right of the
original spot and repeat. This is all to help you identify the normal airflow pattern. Repeat this procedure at your deck and
see if the air movement is in the same direction. You should find a common area of your yard that the air moves toward. This
is where you want to place the trap, ideally at a distance of 12.2-15.2m/40-50ft. away from the deck area.
Placing the trap close to shrubs, bushes, or other vegetation can help to increase mosquito capture. Research has
demonstrated plants like mint and lemon grass can decrease capture while bushy and leafy plants without strong odor
increase capture.
WARNING: Minimum clearance 61cm/24” to walls or ceilings is required.
T
his product is fueled by propane gas, which is invisible, odorless and highly flammable. An odorant is normally added by the manu-
f
acturer, which has a “rotten egg” smell to it. This additive can fade over time, so leaking gas is not always detectable by smell alone.
Propane gas is heavier than air and leaking propane will sink to the lowest possible level. It can be ignited by a spark or flame of any kind
and from several feet away from a leak.
Do not use a propane tank with a capacity larger than 9.07kg (20lb). The propane tank must be provided with a shut-off valve, arranged
for vapor withdrawal and include a collar to protect the tank’s valve.
Propane gas should be stored or used in compliance with local ordinances or codes with ANSI/NFPA 58. Make sure the propane gas
control valve is turned off when not in use.
The propane tank must always be stored outdoors, in a well ventilated area and out of the reach of children. Never store propane in an
enclosed space (house, garage, etc.).
The pressure regulator and hose assembly supplied with the BiteShield Guardian, MK-12 must be used for the connection to the propane
tank. The maximum inlet gas supply is less than 30 SCFH (0,85 cm3/h). Replacement pressure regulator and hose assemblies must be
provided by Koolatron, Inc.
The BiteShield Guardian, MK-12 must be used outdoors and only in a well ventilated area. If it is stored indoors, disconnect the propane
tank and properly store it outdoors. The disconnected tank must have a threaded valve plug tightly installed.
WARNING
FOR YOUR SAFETY
1. If you smell propane:
a. Shut off gas valve on tank.
b. Extinguish any open flame.
c. If odor continues, immediately call your gas supplier.
2. Do not store or use gasoline or any other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of the mosquito trap or any other appliance.
3. The installation must conform with local codes or, in the absence of local codes, with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1-1998 for
US and with the CANI-B149 for Canada.
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