the 'fin' bits in moth traps

[whaleomeloette]

should the fins continue down into the funnel or stop just at the funnel rim so the actual funnel is clear?
does it make any difference at all?

if that makes sence to anyone lol!

[whaleomeloette]

also do the vanes need to be clear? or would reflective material be better to reflect more light about.

here is my final design
cost 50 quid (as i had to buy everything none of this lying about sadly)


the vanes are siliconed onto the rain shield in the way shown in the above view.

thoughts.. questions.. comments?

[whaleomeloette]

allssooo! how do i get the moths out without them going everywhere?
and 'storing' them, i think adam said something about a fridge?

[Adam Cheeseman]

I don't think it makes any difference whether the vanes go right down into the funnel or stop part way down. I have seen various designs and they all seem to work. I have also seen clear, grey and white vanes. My personal opinion is that white vanes would help increase the throw of light, but it may be of little consequence.

Stopping moths escape. Well You could use a big butterfly net to put over the top of the trap when you are ready to empty the trap so as to catch any escapees. Pot-up any for id or photography and put them in the fridge overnight. It won't hurt them. Be careful, as at this time of year you will also likely get wasps in your trap. I had over 60 in mine the other morning.

Good luck,

Cheers,

Adam

[GuyF]

Originally Posted by whaleomeloette

allssooo! how do i get the moths out without them going everywhere?
and 'storing' them, i think adam said something about a fridge?

If you're leaving the trap on overnight you should find that by the morning most moths are very docile and won't be going anywhere! There are exceptions, the micros and geometers can be quite flighty so there's a chance you might lose some of them when you're going through the trap, but most of the larger moths (noctuids, hawkmoths etc.) will rest quite happily while you inspect your catch.
Also, I'm sure you've thought of this, but you need something inside the trap for the moths to rest on, most people use egg boxes or egg trays as far as I know, this gives the moths somewhere to settle down for the day and should make them less likely to fly off!
Guy

EDIT: I should also say that when you're going through the trap it's best to do it early in the morning while it's still cool, if the sun hits it and it starts to heat up you will find the moths are a lot more active!

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by GuyF

Also, I'm sure you've thought of this, but you need something inside the trap for the moths to rest on, most people use egg boxes or egg trays as far as I know, this gives the moths somewhere to settle down for the day and should make them less likely to fly off!

Should add here that I use egg boxes and scrumpled newspaper in my trap.
I've found that different families/species prefer one over the other, so having both keeps them all happy.

Cheers,

Adam

[whaleomeloette]

Originally Posted by Adam Cheeseman

Be careful, as at this time of year you will also likely get wasps in your trap. I had over 60 in mine the other morning.

thanks for the words of wisdom adam
i hope you didnt get stung, im going to use mirror acrylic, its a mirror but less stabby and breakable

[whaleomeloette]

Originally Posted by GuyF

Also, I'm sure you've thought of this, but you need something inside the trap for the moths to rest on, most people use egg boxes or egg trays as far as I know, this gives the moths somewhere to settle down for the day and should make them less likely to fly off!
Guy
EDIT: I should also say that when you're going through the trap it's best to do it early in the morning while it's still cool, if the sun hits it and it starts to heat up you will find the moths are a lot more active!

thanks to you too! *tips hat*
i have been keeping egg boxes; well my mother has, i dont really like eggs too much so i dont buy them
i shop in M&S and their eggs are nice, but when i used to buy them in asda their eggs were always fertilized or just had blood or horrible brown lumps in them, like you get when it has been an embryo and died *vomit* so it put me off for life
it seems m&s keep better eye on their free range horny birds!

[Miss Caretaker]

I've got some acoustic foam that I was going to use (OH is a broadcast technician so can lay his hands on plenty) but i think I'll add some screwed up newspaper too after reading AC's suggestion. I'd been wondering about how to stop them all flying away when you opened it so thanks for posing the question!

P.S. I was going to have sausage, egg and chips for dinner tonight but I think I'll pass on those eggs now...

[whaleomeloette]

Originally Posted by Miss Caretaker

I've got some acoustic foam that I was going to use (OH is a broadcast technician so can lay his hands on plenty) but i think I'll add some screwed up newspaper too after reading AC's suggestion. I'd been wondering about how to stop them all flying away when you opened it so thanks for posing the question!

P.S. I was going to have sausage, egg and chips for dinner tonight but I think I'll pass on those eggs now...

haha! just check your eggs and dont buy from asda