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"Mosquito Eater," Appliance Manufacturer

In 1997 the Dragonfly bested competition from around the world to win Appliance Manufacturer's Excellence in Design Award.

1997 Appliance Manufacturer - Excellence in Design Award
Winner-Lawn   Garden/Outdoor: Dragonfly by BioSensory Insect Control
and its design firm, Group Four Design

Mosquito Eater
Lawn   Garden Outdoor: Dragonfly by BioSensory Insect Control, Groton, CT, and its design firm, Group Four Design, Avon, CT. This "mosquito-eating" device simulates natural factors that attract mosquitoes to their victim's body heat, carbon dioxide and small amounts of octenol on the breath.

The device combines a thermal lure for regulating heat, with precisely released amounts of carbon dioxide and octenol (simulating animal respiration), all of which are contained in a molded housing. The housing incorporates a silent electronic killing grid and a catch basin to collect dead insects (the device also kills biting flies-sand flies, biting midges, etc.). "Aesthetics were driven by two factors," says Robert Bruno, director of product design, Group Four. "First, since a mosquito doesn't fly directly towards its target, but circles around it, we found a grid of four walls perpendicular to the lure preferable, and arranged it in a clover-leaf pattern to be most effective. Second, the aesthetics reflect the product's advanced technology while blending with its natural outdoor environment."

Judges were especially impressed by the uniqueness of the product. "The introduction of an effective technology to target and eliminate potentially disease-carrying insects has significant benefits, including reduction of chemical pesticide usage," says Judge Marilyn Johnson.

"It's clear that the scientific analysis of the biting behavior of insects led to a design that addresses the needs of the user while functioning effectively."

Key project players from BioSensory Insect Control: James Nolen, president. From Group Four Design: Robert H. Bruno, director of product design; Paul Metaxatos, senior designer; David Mathieu, senior engineer.

Key suppliers

• Bedoukian Research (Octenol lure)
• BioLogic (EPA registration)
• Electro-Flex Heat (Thermal lure)
• Inflation Systems (valve)
• KIP (solenoid valve)
• Koster Keunen (waxes)
• Mersey Mold and Model (plastic components)
• PSI Plus (CO₂ cylinder)
• Scenturion (biological attractant packaging)
• Waterbury Companies (plastic components, assembly)