Moth Trap question

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

I was just hoping one of the more experienced "moth"ers could help me with regards to the type of bulb needed. Now i know that MV's are recommended, but can other types be used? Particularly the energy saving type that are available from any shop rather than just specialist places

Thanks

[GuyF]

Another option is actinic bulbs, which are not as bright as MV bulbs so if you've got any nearby neighbours it's less likely to disturb them. I'd say that they are nearly as good as the MV bulbs for number of species caught, although they probably come in slightly fewer numbers, they're also better for certain species than the MV (but the MV bulbs also attract species that the actinic doesn't) However, I think these are quite specialist bulbs as well. I've personally never tried normal bulbs, they may work although you might be a bit limited in the species that you catch with them.
Guy

[Oscar2006]

You could use a torch if you wanted and still get (albeit limited) results!

Whatever you try, please let us know how it is performing.
It would be interesting to know what quanity of moths you take and how long you run the lamp for

[Wightman]

As Oscar stated, any light will get some kind of a result. When I first started mothing my "trap" was my bathroom light with the window open, and I did get a fair few moths. An m.v bulb is the best but not neighbour friendly , but an actinic will give good results (I use both), and the actinic is cheap to run.

[ollyk]

I use a compact florescent Black light Blue (BLB UV) bulb very similar to an actinic and it seems to work fine. A bit of white material nearby increases the visible light as it fluoresces.
Our area is not actually great for moth catching I can leave a window open in bathroom for a week without any moths unfortunately there is a big courtyard out the back permanently lit so what ever I use I am in direct competition

Got it from here...
Buy UV fluorescent compact ES Fitting 25W - DJ Equipment, Guitars, Music Equipment - Music Man

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Thanks for the replies, maybe it's best that i just bite the bullet and get a MV bulb from the start, rather than messing about does anybody know of any cheaper places to get them on-line?

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by Lincs Yellowbelly

Thanks for the replies, maybe it's best that i just bite the bullet and get a MV bulb from the start, rather than messing about does anybody know of any cheaper places to get them on-line?

How much is cheap?

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Well, the MV bulb i've seen is £15. Ths is from a specialist place, i was thinking that more general electrical online shops would sell a little cheaper