Moth Trap (which one & where to buy it) (1 Viewer)

Hi guys & gals

Looking at some of the magnificent moths around just now makes me a tad bit envious that I am not seeing any of them. I am a complete novice at Moth ID's but would love to purchase a Moth Trap, just to see what inhabits our garden whilst I am in the land of nod.

Knowing how experienced you all are I thought I would ask what trap would be best to buy, the costs and where to buy them from, and best of all how to run it & possibly the best position to place it in in the garden, etc.

My home computer is down at the moment but I am hopeful of getting it back up & running this weekend. The one I use at work I am not allowed to purchase anything on the internet from it so purchasing a Moth Trap will probably have to wait until I am back online at home (unless anyone knows anywhere in the Midlands not too far away from Coventry).

Thanks all.

Reader said:

Hi guys & gals

Looking at some of the magnificent moths around just now makes me a tad bit envious that I am not seeing any of them. I am a complete novice at Moth ID's but would love to purchase a Moth Trap, just to see what inhabits our garden whilst I am in the land of nod.

Knowing how experienced you all are I thought I would ask what trap would be best to buy, the costs and where to buy them from, and best of all how to run it & possibly the best position to place it in in the garden, etc.

My home computer is down at the moment but I am hopeful of getting it back up & running this weekend. The one I use at work I am not allowed to purchase anything on the internet from it so purchasing a Moth Trap will probably have to wait until I am back online at home (unless anyone knows anywhere in the Midlands not too far away from Coventry).

Thanks all.

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Hello Reader,
There are several threads relating to Moth Traps in this Forum, all you need to do is a little looking around. See:-
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=33198
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=6413
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=30022
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=30702
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=12785
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=19818

Also, some of the sites recommended in the 'sticky' have some very good info.
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=24965
eg
http://www.back-garden-moths.co.uk/Techniques.htm

there's also an excellent booklet by Reg Fry "A guide to moth traps and their use" which only costs about a fiver.[/QUOTE]


However, if your just starting out, the most inexpensive way will be to purchase the necessary Electrics and build a trap for yourself. What type you eventually settle on will depend on how much you want to spend.

12volt Actinic traps cost virtually nothing to run, you can utilise a car battery or mains power with a suitable transformer. Being of low power you shouldn't have any problems with the neighbours over bright lights in the garden.

These will not catch as many moths as an MV trap but the latter are more expensive to purchase, give off a very bright light and if left unattended can attract not just moths, but nosey parkers as well.

Robinson and the less practical, but cheaper, Skinner 240v MV traps are more
expensive and replacement bulbs aren't cheap either. Both will bring in larger catches and that makes a lot of work for the beginner. Either can be used on mains power or the use of a portable generator.

I would suggest a 12v portable trap if you just starting out, it's the cheapest way, and you can take it out and about, as long as you have a car, just attach it to the car battery. If you really get bitten by the recording 'bug' you can always upgrade to the more expensive item.

Most manufacturers or suppliers will accept payment by credit or Debit card over the phone so there is no need to use the firms computer. You could be up and running this weekend if your sharp off the mark.

Hawk Moths do come to actinic traps, I caught many of them before upgrading to a Robinson Trap.

Harry

Apologies to Ken for pinching a part of one of his posts re URL's

Buy or Make?..that is the question

You could buy one, or you could make your own.

To buy even a basic Skinner trap is about £130. Attached are some pics of the trap that I have just finished.

The box is a recycling tub, the struts for the Perspex slides are off cuts, and the entire electrical set-up cost £40 in total. Add to that the enjoyment of building the thing, it is well worth the effort. The whole thing took a day to build.

The bulb is an 8w Actinic (£5.00) + the bulb fittings (I used a wall unit that I stripped down) I boxed the choke and starter in a waterproof junction box and ran 4 core cable to the bulb fitting.

Simon.

Thanks you guys

I have no skills whatsoever when it comes to DIY and I own virtually no tools. I feel that If I am to start then it will have to be a purchase of a new one (or if anyone knows of a 2nd hand site).

I came across this on a search. What do you think these are like to use, and what problems am I likely to encounter?

http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/mercury/full-sets/

Hi,

I would go to http://www.angleps.btinternet.co.uk/main.htm and read the guide to moths and the guide to bulbs that are there. They are also a good place to buy from if you fancy a skinner type of trap. The first 2 questions you need to answer are how bright a light can you leave on in your garden overnight as the MV lights are very bright so if that is no good you probably want to go with actinic. In that case the two traps avaliable are the skinners suck as sold on the above site (I got mine from them and they are excellent and friendly) so the one on Paul Batty's site you mention (he is also nice but not a moth'er). If you can use a MV in the garden you can choose from Paul's trap (I have one but stopped using it as I think the trap box is to small but I think he now also does larger), a skinner or the Rolls Royce of Moth traps a Robinson. you can get their make from the also bite or a standard one from Biota for about £250 incl postage.

Regards,
Jamie

Reader said:

Thanks you guys


I came across this on a search. What do you think these are like to use, and what problems am I likely to encounter?

http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/mercury/full-sets/

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Paul Batty is a great bloke to deal with. I built my own trap last year and bought a bulb from Paul. Fortunately for me he lives only five minutes away, so a quick trip to his house resulted in me coming home with a 40w u-tube, translucent perspex, 25 foot of wire and the wiring instructions (which are very simple) the best bit was that he would only take money for the bulb :t:
His £50 actinic trap is very good value for money (I borrowed one from a friend to se if I liked rapping or not) and are very effective.

Mark

M N Reeder said:

His £50 actinic trap is very good value for money (I borrowed one from a friend to se if I liked rapping or not) and are very effective.

Mark

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Hi Mark

Is the £50 one you mention the one at the bottom of the page on Pauls site?

I wouldn't really be able to have too bright a light where I live so this one would seem ideal.

Reader said:

Hi Mark

Is the £50 one you mention the one at the bottom of the page on Pauls site?

I wouldn't really be able to have too bright a light where I live so this one would seem ideal.

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Yes that's the one, I think he might also do this one with a 40watt U-tube as well. I can't use MV either but have had great success with my 40 watt actinic.

Mark

Reader said:

Thanks you guys

I have no skills whatsoever when it comes to DIY and I own virtually no tools. I feel that If I am to start then it will have to be a purchase of a new one (or if anyone knows of a 2nd hand site).

I came across this on a search. What do you think these are like to use, and what problems am I likely to encounter?

http://www.pwbelg.clara.net/mercury/full-sets/

Click to expand...

Hello Reader,
His prices will take some beating, but I do have some doubts about how waterproof the Hawk Trap is. A flat top would cause any rain to puddle and perhaps leak into the trap, no interior drain is mentioned and judging by the size of the Rain Shield he is offering as an extra, there isn't one fitted, although that could easily be overcome. Being a square trap would have the advantage that it could be more easily stored than a proper Robinson Trap

I have no experience of his Gladiator trap or of ring bulbs, or do I personally know of anyone using this trap, so I cannot offer any honest opinion backed by any experience. Perhaps some other Bird Forum member has one?

Harry

I have Paul Batty's 25W actinic. It works well although the catches are smaller than with my 80W MV (though I seem to get more micros). The box is a bit on the small size but is adequate. It's made of clear plastic which I don't think is ideal so I've 'wallpapered' mine with corrugated cardboard. There are no drainage holes, though I think you could soon drill one if you are worried. It's not bright enough to annoy a neighbour (at least I think he'd have to be very fussy to complain.)
As someone above said, Paul is a great person to deal with. I asked him all sorts of questions and he patiently answered them.
(Harry, imitation is the greatest form of ... )
Ken

Another positive experience dealing with Paul Batty here.

One thing about a moth trap is it will tell you what moths pass near your garden but, because they can be attracted to the light as they fly by, these will not necessarily be those using your garden. For that you need to make nocturnal forays into the garden with a torch and perhaps a net and look for moths feeding at flowers or larvae out feeding. This can be very satisfying but is rather hard work compared to switching on a light and enjoying the whoppers that arrive

brianhstone said:

Another positive experience dealing with Paul Batty here.

One thing about a moth trap is it will tell you what moths pass near your garden but, because they can be attracted to the light as they fly by, these will not necessarily be those using your garden. For that you need to make nocturnal forays into the garden with a torch and perhaps a net and look for moths feeding at flowers or larvae out feeding. This can be very satisfying but is rather hard work compared to switching on a light and enjoying the whoppers that arrive

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Talking of which I found this pristine large yellow underwing perched on the wall next to my Lonicera last night. It was sitting like a butterfly with it's wings raised above its back, which had me fooled to begin with. Funnily enough the underwing pattern was clearly visible in that position, as if it had it's hindwings reversed somehow :h?:

Surreybirder said:

Talking of which I found this pristine large yellow underwing perched on the wall next to my Lonicera last night. It was sitting like a butterfly with it's wings raised above its back, which had me fooled to begin with. Funnily enough the underwing pattern was clearly visible in that position, as if it had it's hindwings reversed somehow :h?:

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Hello Ken,
It appears from you description that it had just emerged and was drying its wings. All moths adopt that pose until their wings are dry.

Harry

Thanks, for the info, Harry. It certainly looked 'fresh'!
Ken

M N Reeder said:

Yes that's the one, I think he might also do this one with a 40watt U-tube as well. I can't use MV either but have had great success with my 40 watt actinic.

Mark

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Thanks Mark

I will certainly have to consider this one then. Do you have Pauls phone number as I can't seem to find it on his website.

harry eales said:

Hello Reader,
His prices will take some beating, but I do have some doubts about how waterproof the Hawk Trap is. A flat top would cause any rain to puddle and perhaps leak into the trap, no interior drain is mentioned and judging by the size of the Rain Shield he is offering as an extra, there isn't one fitted, although that could easily be overcome. Being a square trap would have the advantage that it could be more easily stored than a proper Robinson Trap

I have no experience of his Gladiator trap or of ring bulbs, or do I personally know of anyone using this trap, so I cannot offer any honest opinion backed by any experience. Perhaps some other Bird Forum member has one?

Harry

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Hi Harry

At the cheaper end of the market are there any traps you would recommend?

There is no point me considering spending a fortune until I get used to identifying moths. I am a complete novice at the moment and I can see me possibly bombarding you guys with any catches I may make in the early days. Once I am better at knowing what I am looking at then I can consider upgrading my trap.

Reader said:

Hi Harry

At the cheaper end of the market are there any traps you would recommend?

There is no point me considering spending a fortune until I get used to identifying moths. I am a complete novice at the moment and I can see me possibly bombarding you guys with any catches I may make in the early days. Once I am better at knowing what I am looking at then I can consider upgrading my trap.

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Hello Reader,

I have no personal experience of any of the moth traps other than a home made Robinson, commercially made Heath traps (actinic) and finally a full blown Robinson trap.

All commercially available traps will catch moths, some better than others. As you may have a problem with a bright light upsetting neighbours, I would suggest you use an Actinic bulb trap, as this is unlikely to cause any problems.

Which Actinic trap you buy depends on how much you wish to spend.

I would recommend a 12v trap that can be connected to your mains supply via a transformer, yet can also be used away from home by connecting it to your car battery. This will give you the option of trapping at home and also away in the countryside. I wouldn't bother with a light sensor, a cheaper option is a simple timer switch from your local DIY shop, although you will have to reset the on/off timing a couple of times a month.

Some Heath traps are advertised as being very portable and can be dismantled for transit, rather a waste of time if your working away from home, as you would have to identifiy your catches in the dark (not a thing I would recommend) before dismantling it. Any heath type trap will fit into the boot or back seat of any car after a night out mothing, and as long as you block the entry cone with a piece of cloth, you won't loose any specimens.

I would suggest ringing Paul Batty and tell him what you want, and get a quotation for an Actinic trap that will work from a mains supply via a transformer, yet which can be used off a 12 volt car battery, if working away from home. I would think that you are looking at a price somewhere between £50- £75. Very few moth traps seem to come onto the second hand market, so it will pay you to buy a new one, rather than wait around hoping for one to turn up.

An Actinic trap will certainly catch you a good number of moths, not perhaps as many as a Robinson Trap, but certainly enough to keep you busy for some time each day. It may be a problem at first to ID all your catches, but you will get help here, to ID your undetermined species if you post pictures of those you can't ID.

Happy mothing,

Harry

I had 66 moths of 30 species in my cheap 15W actinic Skinner last night and believe me that is enough to keep you busy for a while if you are unfamiliar with them.

If you go with mains electrics you can still run from a battery using an inverter (e.g. http://www.mdsbattery.co.uk/shop/productprofile.asp?ProductGroupID=574). A car battery will easily run a 15W actinic all night and you can even run a 125W MV for a couple of hours.

As a quick homemade idea I am still using a cheap storage box with an old lampshade rested upsidedown in a hole cut in the lid. That cost very little and you only need to buy the electrics and bulb. My bulb is on a rail so that I can still fit it on the Skinner trap when I need to but you can sit it lower. this trap catches loads and there are a couple of hundred moths in there this morning still to go through. Already had a couple of Elephant Hawks and the first Swallow-tailed Moth of the year.

brianhstone said:

I had 66 moths of 30 species in my cheap 15W actinic Skinner last night and believe me that is enough to keep you busy for a while if you are unfamiliar with them.

If you go with mains electrics you can still run from a battery using an inverter (e.g. http://www.mdsbattery.co.uk/shop/productprofile.asp?ProductGroupID=574). A car battery will easily run a 15W actinic all night and you can even run a 125W MV for a couple of hours.

As a quick homemade idea I am still using a cheap storage box with an old lampshade rested upsidedown in a hole cut in the lid. That cost very little and you only need to buy the electrics and bulb. My bulb is on a rail so that I can still fit it on the Skinner trap when I need to but you can sit it lower. this trap catches loads and there are a couple of hundred moths in there this morning still to go through.

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Hey Brian

That looks a nifty cheap idea that I could possibly cope with. One thing though, don't you need the veins to bring the moths down into the trap?

brianhstone said:

Already had a couple of Elephant Hawks and the first Swallow-tailed Moth of the year.

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Did you have those in this cheap trap you have illustrated.

Regarding the innards of the box. Does it just contain egg boxes and if so how many layers would you put into it.

The light bulb and rail you have used. Can you get those from B&Q etc or from a recognised dealer such as Paul Batty?

Reader said:

Hey Brian

That looks a nifty cheap idea that I could possibly cope with. One thing though, don't you need the veins to bring the moths down into the trap?

Did you have those in this cheap trap you have illustrated.

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Hello Reader,

How many egg cartons you put into the trap depends on it's size, I just put mine around the edge of the interior of the trap, leaning outwards slightly, so the moths can get behind and into the indentations, many settle quickly that way. It's better have just a few, as crowding the trap makes them difficult to extract without disturbing or damaging the moths. In my Robinson trap which is about the largest you can get I just use 5, 18 hole egg boxes. That's always been sufficient. In my Heath trap I use just four cartons cut to fit the side walls.

Regarding vanes, some people don't like them, some, including myself do. It's a matter of choice and experience. I like them because they tend to increase the visibility of the light (240v MV) and many moths like to rest on them. A quick puff of breath makes them drop into the trap.

Your unlikely to get the sort of bulbs you need, or the accessories, to run it at your local DIY store. It is better going to someone like Paul Batty, he is much cheaper than any specialist electrical dealer, and he almost certainly will have the items you need in stock.

Harry