The Dragonfly System offers breakthrough technology in a two-part system for the effective control of mosquitoes and other biting insects. First, it provides a long-range attractant lure that draws mosquitoes away from outdoor locations where people gather. Second, the Dragonfly works in tandem with a Conceal inhibitor that disorients mosquitoes to protect people nearby.

To understand how the Dragonfly works so effectively, it's important to know how mosquitoes find their targets.

How mosquitoes find their targets

When people and animals breathe, they exhale an invisible mixture of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and Octenol (a type of alcohol) along with a trace of moisture. Mosquitoes and other biting insects have ultra-sensitive receptors which can detect the presence of these chemicals, or kairomones, from almost 100 feet away. The attraction is so powerful, they immediately fly toward the source of the chemicals.

Moreover, circulating blood in animal and human targets radiates body heat. Mosquitoes also have sophisticated heat sensors to help them locate blood, their food supply. In effect, mosquitoes become heat-seeking missiles, following both exhaled gases and body heat directly to their target. Within 30 feet, mosquitoes can actually see their victims. When they arrive, they fly around the victim to find landing sites where blood is closest to the surface.

How the Dragonfly attracts mosquitoes

The Dragonfly System looks, feels and smells like the animals mosquitoes prefer most, thus drawing them away from people. This advanced system was developed through cooperative research with the USDA and utilizes several patented lures.

The Dragonfly lure is based on three powerful attractants: CO₂, Octenol and the thermal image of body beat. CO₂ and Octenol are long-range attractants that simulate human and animal respiration. The thermal lure produces the infrared image of blood near the surface of the skin. The Dragonfly system is microprocessor-controlled in order to maintain these attractants at optimal levels, regardless of temperature. As one entomologist aptly put it, "To a mosquito, the Dragonfly always looks like a shaved rabbit" - otherwise known as the perfect target.

When mosquitoes approach and circle the Dragonfly unit, they are drawn through its housing to electrostatic panels where they are hit by a miniature lightening bolt. They die instantly and fall away intact.

The Dragonfly System is harmless to beneficial insects that are not attracted to its lures.

Easy to use

The Dragonfly is safe and very easy to use. It features a "set it and forget it" mode, utilizing a photo cell that turns the unit on at sunset and off 5 hours later to provide economical protection during peak mosquito activity. The system also has automatic control override so that the CO₂ discharge can be adjusted appropriately for any location at any time.

In backyard applications, placing a Dragonfly unit between people and a mosquito habitat draws mosquitoes toward the device and away from people. It is important to remember that the visual range of mosquitoes is about 30 feet (10 m). The Dragonfly must be at least 30 feet away from a deck, pool, porch or patio so that mosquitoes drawn to it cannot see people as they move about.

For maximum protection from biting insects, BioSensory recommends the use of a Mosquito 'Cognito or Conceal Candles in addition to a Dragonfly unit to mask your scent around your deck, pool, porch or patio.

Estimating your CO₂ costs

CO₂ gas can be very economical as a mosquito attractant. Use our on-line  calculator to gauge the approximate usage cost for CO₂ over time. This calculator is developed in association with Praxair Technology, Inc., the BioSensory preferred supplier of CO₂. Praxair is aggressively expanding retail distribution of CO₂ throughout the US and Canada. Look for CO₂ at your local Home Center. If it is not available today, watch for it in the coming months."

To purchase CO₂ , see Dragonfly supplies below, contact Praxair Technology or check the yellow pages for your local independent CO₂ distributor or pest control company.

Accessories & Refills

Refill	Description	Where to Buy...
Octenol Biting Insect Lure	Biting Insect Lure will last 30 to 60 days, depending on ambient temperature and operating mode.	nomorebites.com
CO2 Bottle	The Dragonfly Biting Insect Trap requires a 20-pound CO2 bottle. Under SENSOR control, the CO2 bottle will last 30 to 120 days.	Praxair

Dragonfly System specifications and operating instructions (PDF*, 206KB)

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