My home built moth trap

Martin Dyer · #1 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 07:19 AM

I decided to build a moth trap recently. Just a normal Skinner type design, but using 2 x 40W Actinic tubes, as the trap will be used near neighbours. Plans, links and sourcing for the electrics all described. Probably cost me about £70 in total, of which the majority was the electrics

I have written a full story on my blog here with pictures, showing my mistakes as well.

Any feedback or questions welcomed.

Have used it a few times now, with some good successes. Had a beautiful Small elephant and Garden Tiger on the last time out.

Martin

pammosley · #2 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 07:23 AM

Hi Martin, we`ve been thinking for some time about a moth trap. I`ll have a look at your blog. Hope you continue to have good finds

AshLee · #3 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 07:30 AM

Hi Martin,

Your moth trap looks excellent.

I was also impressed with your consideration for your neighbours.

If only my neighbours were anything like that thoughtful.

Well done!

Ash

bfairs · #4 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 12:12 PM

Hi Martin

I have a fish tank i no longer use i may try and use that as a moth trap
but was wandering if the lamp's may be to bright.
could this be a problem as i dont wont to fry the moth's.

thanks
brian

Mr Mag00 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 12:42 PM

well done. I too would recommend paul batty, found to be very helpful over the years and have bought many electric systems from him!

good moth-ing

Lancashire Lad · #6 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 01:24 PM

From an Electrical Engineer's point of view, it looks pretty good - weather resistant junction boxes, glanded cabling etc. etc.

I also note that you are taking the sensible, and very necessary precaution of using an RCD in the mains supply leg.

Just one thing strikes me as being a little suspect. I can see that the lamps have some sort of clear covering around the connection/lampholder ends, but they still don't look to be what I would class as rainproof.

I note that you leave the set-up operating unattended overnight, and while the RCD might switch off the electricity in the event of a fault, there could still be damage caused if rain were to enter the lampholders.

Might it be possible to introduce a further sheet of perspex, the same overall size as the length x width of both lamps, (ideally with a small bead around the underside perimeter to create a drip point which would prevent rain from tracking across the underside)?

This could then be screwed to the wooden spar between the lamps, and would stop any direct rainfall onto the lamps without affecting light output, or restricting access to the trap itself.

Regards,
Mike.

hachidori · #7 (**permalink**) 09-07-2010, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfairs

Hi Martin

I have a fish tank i no longer use i may try and use that as a moth trap
but was wandering if the lamp's may be to bright.
could this be a problem as i dont wont to fry the moth's.

thanks
brian

Brian,

My home made trap is a large plastic storage box with an old 2 foot fish tank light on it. I switch between daylight and moonlight simulator bulbs on it, both of which I already had.

It works brilliantly. I only spent a fiver on it (a reflective strip from the aquarium shop- the kind they sell to go in your fish tank near the bulb to increase the light)...

You might want to darken the tank so that the moths can have a dark place to chill out, maybe spray paint it on the outside of the glass? No reason at all why a fish tank won't work though - although it does sound heavy, and ideally you'd want some drainage holes in the bottom in case it rains when you leave the trap out.

bfairs · #8 (**permalink**) 12-07-2010, 05:51 AM

Hi Hachidori

Tryed my old tank at home but to many street light's about.
Going to take it to work and set it up in a wooded area behind the greenhouse see if i can get better luck
thanks
brian.

Martin Dyer · #9 (**permalink**) 12-07-2010, 08:08 AM

Many thanks for the comments folks.

Mike (Lancashire Lad) - agree that the lamp end is the only area where I dont have total driving rainproof cover. It is one area left that I have yet to address. I have only put it out during dry spells, but I will devise a little perspex hat for that area this week. Thanks for your comments, advice and professional critique - I do appreciate it.

One thing I didnt mention - the extension lead socket and plug reel are covered by an upturned bucket as well

Martin