If you own a CO2 mosquito trap like the Biogents BG-Mosquitaire, the trap itself is the easy part. The recurring question is where to get the CO2 tank filled once it runs empty. Here is the practical answer for Austin.
What kind of tank and fill you need
Most CO2 mosquito traps use a 20 lb aluminum CO2 cylinder with a CGA-320 valve, the same standard used for beverage and homebrew CO2. That is good news, because it means a lot of places around Austin can fill it.
You have two options at most shops:
- Refill: they fill your actual tank while you wait or leave it. Cheapest, but you are without CO2 for a bit.
- Exchange: you swap your empty for an already-full tank and leave. Faster, sometimes slightly more.
Where to get a CO2 fill in Austin
Any of these can fill a CGA-320 cylinder:
- Welding supply stores (the most reliable option for a 20 lb tank).
- Homebrew and beer-making shops.
- Fire extinguisher service companies.
- Paintball and sporting goods shops (usually smaller tanks, call first for 20 lb).
Call ahead to confirm they fill 20 lb CGA-320 cylinders, since some locations only handle smaller sizes.
What it costs
A 20 lb CO2 fill in the Austin area typically runs $20 to $35. Price varies by shop and by whether you refill or exchange.
How long a tank lasts
- Running continuously: a 20 lb tank lasts roughly 20 days.
- On an 8-hour daily timer: the same tank stretches to about 60 days, because mosquitoes hunt most at dawn and dusk anyway.
A CO2 timer is the single best way to cut your refill trips. It can triple how long each tank lasts.
Skip the trips entirely
If driving a heavy cylinder across town every few weeks does not sound appealing, that is exactly the problem our delivery service solves.
GreenGuard USA delivers a full CO2 tank to your door and takes the empty, on a monthly schedule starting at $89.99/month. On every visit the technician also checks your trap, verifies the CO2 flow, and makes sure it is catching. You never handle a tank or drive anywhere.
This works whether you bought your trap from us or somewhere else. You do not have to own GreenGuard equipment to use the service.
Getting started
If you want us to handle the CO2 and upkeep on a trap you already own, book a quick assessment here or call 512-560-4129. We will confirm your setup and get you on a delivery schedule.
More detail on service for existing trap owners is on our Biogents and CO2 trap service page.