Make a Light Trap
Make a Light Trap
A simple light trap can be made from a
funnel, a round gallon can and a light. You can
buy a large funnel or make one by cutting the
bottom out of a gallon milk or detergent container.
Place the funnel on the can as shown in the
illustration, and suspend the light slightly above the
funnel. Insects that fly into the light bulb fall down
the funnel and are trapped in the can. The spout of
the funnel should be large enough to let the
insects drop through it easily, but not so large as to
let the insects fly out again. A few strips of one inch
wide newspaper in the can will give insects a place
to hide so they are less likely to try to escape.
When getting the insects out of the trap, put the
can and funnel together into your collection net
before removing the funnel. This will prevent active
insects from escaping.
Using a Black Light
Black lights, or ultraviolet lights, are more
attractive to insects than lights of other colors
(wave lengths). Black lights are made like
fluorescent tube lights and require the same kind
of fixture. The only thing that is different is the light
tube itself, which you may have to special order
from a light fixture store. Black light tubes come in
different sizes, but some may be more available
than others. Get the black light tube first and then
get the proper light fixture for it. Mount the light
fixture on a board with an extension cord so you
can use the light in different places. Use a white
sheet as a backdrop for the light so you can easily
spot the insects as they come to the light. Drape
the sheet over a clothes line, stretch it between
poles or hang it on a fence or wall. Collect the
insects as soon as they land on the sheet because
some kinds of insects will soon run away and hide.
Never look directly at an operating black
light. The ultraviolet rays may injure your eyes.
