Type of Moth trap

reefbirder · #1 (**permalink**) 26-09-2011, 05:31 PM

Hi all,

I went on my first moth trapping trip with a local group last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am thinking of getting a heath trap for it portability and lower environmental impact. The ALS one looks good, has anyone on the site had experience of this unit - good or bad? I would love to hera from you.

Rob

Adam Cheeseman · #2 (**permalink**) 26-09-2011, 07:37 PM

If you mean the one that costs £150 including the rain guard and delivery I can highly recommend it, personally and professionally. Would suggest you get one with the MV bulb to produce better catches. All I can say on a vaguely negative note is to make sure that is placed on a flat surface so that you get no gaps between the batoning and the plastic vanes, which from experience allows many smaller moths to get out.

Cheers,

Adam

reefbirder · #3 (**permalink**) 26-09-2011, 11:03 PM

Thanks Adam,

Yes, looking at the SK21/SK22 models. I am in a flat I will be using the unit in the field or friends gardens. so am limited to Actinic and mobile. I guess that soon I will be getting the Robinsons and the MV etc etc as the bug bites.

Rob

nutmeg · #4 (**permalink**) 27-09-2011, 06:27 AM

Is there much light where you live? I'm quite close to a road with streetlights and found I got dismal catches with a 15W actinic - but far better with MV. Fortunately I'm not overlooked so no problems running an MV.

(Be prepared for the bug to bite quite hard!)

Adam Cheeseman · #5 (**permalink**) 27-09-2011, 08:57 AM

I live in a suburban area in north Surrey and am overlooked by several properties. I have used an MV bulb (all night when I run the trap) for the past six years and have not had a single complaint in all that time (lucky me). MV will bring in more moths and from further afield than an actinic. You'll find that the 'throw' of the light is less intrusive than someone's external security light. You could always have a word with your neighbours before hand. You might find that they'll be interested in what you catch.

Cheers,

Adam

reefbirder · #6 (**permalink**) 27-09-2011, 03:14 PM

Thanks for these posts guys,

I have actually bought a 15 watt Actinic Skinner trap with Mains connection. With your comments in mind, I think this is the best option for me at the moment as it has the ability to be upgraded or configured with different electrics so that it can be made to be either mobile/low impact (15W actinic from Battery or mains) or to accept MV (from Mains) at a later date as it should be straight forward engineering.

Mind you do I need one - I had two Lunar Underwinds, an E.monodactyla and a couple of micros fly in through my window last night lol

Rob