
HOW IT WORKS
The BiteShield Cordless Guardian, MK-14 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
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 CO2 and moisture coming from the unit’s
burner. This tells the mosquito that there is a “breathing” creature around. It flies towards
the source of CO2 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-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 feeding
once every 3-4 days. If the mosquito 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