Moth trap queries

[munchkin0508]

Hi i wonder if any one can help me?
Im considering making a moth trap and setting it up in my garden. I live in a fairly rural area but i have neighbours on both sides that have large amounts of lights on at night.

I dont want to use a MV bulb as from what ive heard it will make my back garden look like there is a rave goin on! Can anyone suggest a less invasive option?

I also feed the birds in my garden so is it ok to relase moths in another secluded area that isnt my garden or will it upset the moths too much.

thanks

[BROCSMAN]

You could try an actinic trap, which produces light which isn't as bright, but is still very successful at attracting moths. Sounds like you'll be in competition with your neighbours though.

The moths will be ok so long as you aren't taking them away from their habitat. It's a good idea to keep them away from birds feeding.

[Graham Barker]

hello
some people keep the moths they catch till the next evening and release them then, which could be one way of overcoming....though releasing in dense vegetation seems a good way of doing it as well...
i use an actinic trap that i made myself, the catch does very. i am surrounded on all sides by houses so i guess there is some competition there but usually in june july and aug i dont have any problem getting reasonalbe numbers and had around 80 species last year, though others with actinic traps, in the right location (ie with trees, woodland etc surrounding their house) have better luck than me....it just depends on what you want i guess....if there is a spot in your garden that is away from the invasive neighbourly light i would use that.....at the end of the day i like moth trapping because obviously i am interested, but it really adds value to my garden, my knowledge....and its fun...and some of the moths are amazing even interesting people who arent interested!....
i send in my records once a year to the biodiversity centre for sussex using their software....so again i feel i am contributing to something positive...maybe your local wildlife trust runs something similar....
go get that actinic trap set up and have fun...
graham

[munchkin0508]

Thanks very much everyone. Im trying a fairly low maintence trap at the moment. From the new amature naturalist book( Nick Bakers re done the Gerrald Durrell book). I cant quite afford the actinic bulb set up yet but im saving up my pennies.

My garden backs onto the schools conservation area so hopefully i should get something. Even if its a few silver y's.