COOKING UP A LIGHT TRAP
The two light traps which
I currently use are getting a bit tatty around the edges. Not
only that, but also they do not completely do the job which I
really want. The 'Skinner' folds nicely, so is easily stored and
transported, but moths regularly get out through the top and also,
as there is no base, they get lost in the grass or squeeze under
the walls. Now as I like to wander round and see what's 'nectaring',
I reckon I could be losing lots of moths. The O.U. trap is just
getting old and tired, and requires a lot of setting up, so time
for a new one!
RECIPE
Ingredients:
2 x plastic boxes 55 x 40 x 29 cm @£2.99 Wilkinsons
2 x lids for above boxes @ £1.99 Wilkinsons
1 x clear funnel 18 cm. diameter (make sure it has a lip) @ 79p
Wilkinsons
1 x waterproof connector @ £2.49 B&Q
1 x waterproof electric kit @ £36.95 Paul Batty
1 x alloy or wood strip 46cm
4 x alloy vanes ( was going to make from scrap, but bought from
P.Batty as they fit nicely around the lamp which comes with kit)
1 x plastic beaker (old tupperware)
2 x bolts 5 mill. with wingnuts ' C25p B&Q
Cooking:
Invert the funnel and draw around it in the centre of one lid.
Draw another circle the width of the funnel
rim inside the first one. Freehand is ok because it doesn't have
to be exactly accurate. ( if you are a perfectionist, make a template
in card). Cut out with fine-tooth saw.
Offer up the plastic beaker and make
a mark where it fits tightly
on
the funnel. Cut off the end of the funnel about 1 cm. below this
mark and glue the beaker in place.
Fit the funnel in the lid and offer
the lid to one of the plastic boxes. Cut the bottom off the beaker
about 75mm from the bottom of the box.
Attach the lampholder to the aluminium/wood
bar and wire it so that it hangs slightly over the end of the
lid with the connector attached.
Fit the fins with the brackets provided (put lamp in first).
Drill a couple of holes through the
bar and the lid and attach it with the 2 bolts and wingnuts. The
funnel is now held in place and the lamp holder and wiring is
secure, but it is easily removed and stored in the box. A plastic
box can be used as a rain cover should it become necessary.
So why
2 boxes? Well you only have to swap over the lids and you have
one new, empty trap and one bulging with moths, which you can
take away and examine at leisure. As the boxes stack, the two
take up little more space than one. Paul Batty can be found at
website or Mercury@pwbelg.clara.co.uk
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