How It Works; Where To Place - Koolatron MK14 Owner's Manual

HOW IT WORKS

The BiteShield Cordless Guardian, MK-14 utilizes the documented attractiveness of carbon dioxide (CO
moisture, body temperature (thermal imaging), color, shape and airflow in an effective design that captures and
kills mosquitoes. Similar traps have been in use for years by universities, state monitoring programs and researchers
around the world. The BiteShield Cordless Guardian, MK-14 uses this traditional trapping approach, combined with
the latest in research, to turn the female mosquito's natural hunting techniques toward seeking out the trap and thus,
facilitating their capture in a product that private home owners can use. Another major feature of MK14 is that it is
cordless – that is, no electrical or extension cords to deal with! The unit is powered by a patented internal power
generated mechanism that uses propane fuel to operate the fan and LEDs. Thus, MK14 eliminates a major safety
hazard that users might face while operating such units outdoors.
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 and moisture coming from the unit's burner. This tells the mosquito that there is a "breathing" creature around.
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It flies towards the source of CO and moisture. As it travels, at a range of approx. 4.6m/15ft., it starts to sense
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temperature similar to that of a living creature (thermal imaging). The unique design of the MK-14 has two 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 thermal 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. The top of this area consists of a vacuum air flow caused by the internal fan which pulls the
mosquitoes into the trap 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 feed-
ing once every 3-4 days. If the mosquito is notdisturbed, 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 thou-
sands of eggs, during her lifetime.
The female mosquito is attracted to a host by carbon dioxide (CO
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 standing 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.
), temperature, scent, color, shape, movement
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• Made of durable outdoor cotton-based, weather-resistant material
• Machine washable in cold water, looks great!
• Designed with sewn-in velcro strips for quick and easy wrap-around installation
• Fits any standard 9.07kg/20lbs. propane tank
• One year warranty
For prices and availability please call: 800-265-8456
ACCESSORIES
PROPANE TANK COVER
Item#: MKTCoverP
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