In the seasonal fight against mosquitoes, macitynet is not caught unprepared and this year goes on the attack by reviewing a versatile tool that not only attracts mosquitoes and causes them to die a slow death but performs the final gesture quickly and efficiently. And not only that… since it is a rechargeable tool, the manufacturer has seen fit to add a torch and a camping lamp.
The packaging
The device comes in a white box with a long USB-micro USB charging cable inside and a manual strictly in Chinese. Nothing more but to tell the truth no detailed instructions are needed: the whole operational part is reduced to connecting the lamp to a USB power supply, recharging it and then pressing one of the two buttons above the socket itself.
The construction is very solid and no plastic savings have been made even for the cage that contains the lamp. The base of the cylinder 20 cm high with a diameter of 7 cm is made up of a transparent disc that reveals the cone of the torch and the bulb and the rubber feet prevent it from touching the support surface. The openings for lamp operation protected by opaque white plastic are obtained on two “sides” of the base cylinder and then in the upper half of the cylinder we find the “cage” of vertical elements connected at the top and bottom that contain the lamp surrounded by steel filaments on which tension is discharged that will kill mosquitoes.
At the top we find an ingenious hooking system in two sections that allow the placement of the device hanging from a hook or a wire with a removable hook.
In the base we find, as mentioned, the microUSB socket and the two buttons protected by a splash-proof rubber element that respectively activate the anti-mosquito section and with a cyclic click the torch and the two LED faces alone on in combination.
The whole is very solid and looks drop proof as well.
How it works
Unlike other models we tested that used a fan and a light to create a sort of “trap”, this device does use light to attract insects but once they enter the cage they are faced with an electric charge that colds them. instantly without making noise (the terrible “ciic” of the mosquito-frying) and not even smell.
We have tested it for over a week in a location tormented by standard and tiger mosquitoes and we must say that it is super effective: the test was conducted before and after the reclamation of the garden “source” of the most aggressive mosquitoes and then at home with the rest of the residual population and finally back outside: in all situations the light was able to attract insects and the system of “cold” them mercilessly.
Obviously, the best is obtained by placing the cylinder in the dim light, or, when you hear the insect buzzing near your ears, place it not far away … the mosquito is attracted without problems and ends up inexorably in the grid.
The outdoor test at night causes real massacres unfortunately also of other tiny gnats and insects the size of a mosquito and the question arises: “now how do I clean up the scene of the (multiple) crime?”
In this we are met by a feature of the device: the IPX4 resistance and that is to splashes … it is useful not only when you forget the object outdoors but also for getting rid of what remains of the insects.
To use it indoors without the light being particularly annoying (especially in the children's room) you can place it under the bed.
Power supply, Torch and night lamp
The portability of the active anti-mosquito is ensured by a 1800mA battery that recharges during the day: if you only use the anti-mosquito lamp it will last for about 10-12 hours while the simultaneous use of the flashlight will lower the autonomy to 5-6 hours .
The convenience of having a power supply via USB allows you to connect it to your computer to any USB power supply (not supplied in the package) or to a battery with USB connection that makes the duration practically infinite and certainly able to last all night with the three lighted lamps.
The flashlight has a discreet range: it is not suitable for night hikes in a forest but it can be convenient at home or to illuminate details while you are outdoors in the garden, the led lamp with openings on both sides is convenient for a dinner at the open or in a tent and the combination with the anti-mosquito makes it an all-in-one system to “cover” a table for 4-6 people. For longer tables it is better to think of at least a second lamp.
Conclusions
Excellent design, ruthlessness in killing, easy to clean, silent, multifunction and above all portable, the active mosquito repellent will also take it there on vacation and in the occasional outdoor dinners with the mother-in-law. Too bad that the instructions are not also in Italian but the features are so basic that you learn how to use it in a few seconds. The absence of a power supply prevents immediate use out of the box but who doesn't have a USB charger for their phone?
The cost is higher than the “trap” systems but the efficiency and versatility are just as high.
Pro
Effective, comfortable, versatile. Functional and compact design. Quiet and easy to clean with a jet of water.
Cons
No manual in Italian, no power supply included.
Retail price
The Opple active anti-mosquito distributed by Xiaomi Youpin is on sale at about 39 Euros on Gearbest by applying the discount code GB $ MKILLER during the purchase phase.
