How to make a moth trap?

[RICHARDM]

Hi Nutmeg, no I am really a fair weather moth'er, I stand it in a large wooden box thats on it's side, but that is mainly to stop it shining back on to the houses of my neighbours,and is only visible from the fields and trees at the back of the houses, seems to work ok though. regards Richard.

[Dr Moth]

fantastic, thanks all

[whaleomeloette]

Originally Posted by RICHARDM

Hi Whaleomeloette, I have seen posts where people have mentioned using battery operated ones, but don't know where they got them from, if you type in paul batty then go to the one that says mercury vapour lights, you can then choose which kit to look at, regards Richard.

thank you!
iv dropped him an email. the site layout with all the colours and font sizes hurts my brain haha

[Miss Caretaker]

I know what you mean about Paul Batty's site, it is really not user-friendly!
I am in the process of building a trap using these plans: atropos

I have utilised an old bookcase backing that I've been storing at work and some other old bits of wood. I am using a spare aquarium lighting unit and already have some perspex so it's not costing me a penny!
Jo

[whaleomeloette]

Originally Posted by Miss Caretaker

I know what you mean about Paul Batty's site, it is really not user-friendly!

iv offered to redo it for him for free if he wants.
im working on my own website atm, iv kept it simple and sleek with page continuity
Home -

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by whaleomeloette

edit. i see a plug! oops
but can you get battery operated lights?

It is theoretically possible to run any moth trap from a car/motorbike battery (or similar), and most traps that are run like this are exactly the same as the ones that are plugged into the mains.
Running a mains trap off a 12V battery simply involves connecting a power inverter to the battery and plugging the trap into the inverter - the trap then runs off 240V A/C as normal. Mercury vapour traps can be run like this, but traps with actinic bulbs (which draw less power) are more typically used because they can be run for longer without draining the battery.
I have a Skinner trap with 2x 15W actinic tubes, and this can be run directly from the mains, or off a 12V battery via a power inverter.

[whaleomeloette]

Originally Posted by RoyW

It is theoretically possible to run any moth trap from a car/motorbike battery (or similar), and most traps that are run like this are exactly the same as the ones that are plugged into the mains.
Running a mains trap off a 12V battery simply involves connecting a power inverter to the battery and plugging the trap into the inverter - the trap then runs off 240V A/C as normal. Mercury vapour traps can be run like this, but traps with actinic bulbs (which draw less power) are more typically used because they can be run for longer without draining the battery.
I have a Skinner trap with 2x 15W actinic tubes, and this can be run directly from the mains, or off a 12V battery via a power inverter.

i appriciate the detailed reply, but, woosh, over my head haha
ill see if i can get someone who understands to help

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by whaleomeloette

i appriciate the detailed reply, but, woosh, over my head haha

Ok. For the benefit of anyone who may want to run a moth trap off a car battery, basically you just need to buy a power inverter which looks like this:

They cost about £30 if I remember correctly.

You might need advice on the correct combination of moth trap/ power inverter/ battery to use though, because as with any other electrics you need to get the right power ratings.

[whaleomeloette]

ahh! amazing, thank you for that, ill look into it!