Placement of the Light Trap
For the Light Trap to operate effectively it must be placed in the proper location.
In general, best results will be achieved if the trap is placed in areas of higher
humidity. These areas will usually have more foliage and cover. Also, locating
the trap a few yards into the edge of woods and near marshes, swamps and
streams yield excellent results.
Select a remote location (at least 50 feet away from any structures if possible).
Avoid placing a trap near any other light sources or open fields as they may
detract from its effectiveness. The height at which the trap is suspended can
influence the species composition of the collection. Normally, traps are hung 5-6
ft off the ground. This height is satisfactory for the majority of species
encountered in routine. (Note: If it is important that the collected mosquitoes
remain alive, care should be taken to avoid placing the trap where it will be in
direct sunlight.)
The number of traps needed for an area depends upon the amount of accuracy
desired. The more traps that are placed, the greater the statistical accuracy.
Typically, several traps will be located in known areas of activity. If the location
does not produce the expected number of mosquitoes, relocate the trap. Field
trials show that relocating traps distances of only 25 feet (7.62 m) can
significantly change the amount of mosquitoes collected.
NOTE: FOLLOW THE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION FROM THE
SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL PERSONNEL IN YOUR VECTOR CONTROL
PROGRAM AND/OR MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT.
Operating the Light Trap
NOTE:
To yield the most accurate results, the trap should be operated for five
consecutive nights.
When connected the light trap to a 6 volt DC power source, the trap will begin
operating fan and light. Both fan and light will remain ON until disconnected from
power source (or the batteries charge is drained), regardless of the day light or
darkness of the environment around.
Past experience has shown that using a pheromone such as Octenol and/or placing a 2”
(5.08 cm) cube of dry ice in an ice bucket suspended directly above the trap will increase
the number of mosquitoes collected. Also, collection peak periods fluctuate on a 4 week
cycle with the light and dark phases of the moon.
Field trials have shown that the best collection times are during the dark phases of the
moon and on overcast nights.
The Light trap model 2505 requires 300 ma (nominal) to operate at 6.0-6.3 volts
DC. The trap is designed to be powered by a nominal voltage of 6 volts DC.
This may be in the form of 4 “D” size alkaline batteries which will allow operation
of the trap for temporary periods of time which will vary depending on the light
bulb used before the batteries will need to be replaced. If 4 “D” size batteries are
used, is recommended to make daily collection of the samples taken for the trap,
and make any required maintenance to the batteries, if required. Another power
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