SkeeterVac Fine Tune Biting Insect Lure Replacement, Use as Bait for SkeeterVac Mosquito Killer...

First off, conceptually, this product is a good idea. When it works, it really cuts down on the mosquito population. However, it's finnicky and fragile. I had a lot of trouble every time I started it, and had to hold the control valve button for about three minutes to get it to run, even though the instructions said it should only take 30 seconds. After about three months of use, the Skeetervac stopped running entirely. I could still get it to start, but it would turn off after a couple of minutes. Customer service was completely unhelpful. Their troubleshooting process was arduous and pointless (imagine dealing with a PC repair company, but they spend 30 minutes making you turn the computer on and off even though you know that isn't the issue). They misdiagnosed the problem because their troubleshooting process is terrible, could not send me a replacement part in a timely manner because it was backordered, and when I finally replaced the part, it did nothing to help the problem. Now I can't even get ahold of them, because their phone menu hangs up on you after a few minutes of being on hold, with the message "try again later". Basically, when you buy this product, you're rolling the dice on whether or not it works, and at this price I'd rather have not done that. Avoid this product, and probably avoid anything else Blue Rhino.

First, a brief history...We live in Massachusetts and our yard backs up to wooded wetlands. It seems as though we live in the breeding den for the whole mosquito population on the northeast corridor! Our pool and backyard are virtually un usable each summer season due to the intense amount of biting insects (mostly skeeters). A number of years ago I purchased a Mosquito Magnet Liberty (their top of the line cordless machine, paid about $700.00) MM's work on converting propane to CO2 and using octonol attractant and a fan to suck the bastards into a catch net. It seemed to catch some mosquitos, but not as much as I was expecting and it did not make a noticeable difference in our back yard enjoyment. After season 1 it broke down and after dealing with a not so great customer service hassle, they sent me a replacement head unit, it worked for a bit then seemed to not be working at all again. Decided to do some more research and wound up purchasing the Mega Catch unit ( works on lights, octonol, fan ). This unit also only provided mediocre results. The unit failed after the second season, they sent me a new fan board but I never got it working as taking it apart and putting it back together is a bit of a hassle. So, this season I had no unit working and we could not be outside at all. Upon doing some more research I decided to go for the Skeetervac SV5100. This unit seems to combine the technologies of both the other units ( Lights, Propane > CO2, Octonol PLUS this tacky fly paper type wrap that causes some of the bugs to stick to it for added catching ability ) AND its cordless!. I ordered the unit next day delivery via my Prime account and it was on my doorstep the next afternoon. Set up was very easy and took all of about 10 minutes. I hooked up a fresh propane tank and followed the start up instructions. I will note that they say you will know the unit has started by hearing a popping noise as the "engine" starts up. I did not hear this noise and was not sure if the unit was actually running properly at first, but went over to check it about 20 mins later and the guage showed green as they said it would and I could hear the fan running. This was on the evening of June 27th. Blue Rhino says you need to give it 4-6 weeks to see it really start to work. 1 week later I went over to the unit to check out the progress. Mosquitos were swarming all around the unit and the tack paper was about 85% covered with bugs. I then pulled out the catch tray and was AMAZED!! It was chock full to the brim with mosquitos. I mean I dumped it out and it was literally a solid "brick" of dead mosquitos! It is now July 10th, just about 2 weeks since I started the unit and 1 week since emptying the trap and replacing the tack paper. AGAIN, Holy S*%*! Just as many skeeters on the tack strip, possibly more, and the trap tray was again, completely solid full with mosquitos! I will try to upload some photos of my week 1 and week 2 results. Bottom line....this machine WORKS!! The best of the 3 technologies I have tried and I am thoroughly pleased with the product and results. We have been spending a lot of time in the yard lately and sure, there are a few pesky blood suckers around, but total day/night difference from before. We got our yard back! Thanks Blue Rhino! PS: I ordered an extra Octonol attractant cartridge and a replacement set of Tack strips with the unit. I will need to order more tack strips already as I just put my third and last one on today - although thats a good thing because it means it is filling up with dead mosquitos. Definitely order at least one replacement pack if you buy the unit.