I am starting to like the idea of looking at moths and fancy trying a moth trap. Ideally I want one that does the job well but doesn't cost too much. Any recommendations?
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Recommend me a moth trap (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter postcardcv
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Mary
Well-known member
We were a bit confused when, like you, we decided to start moth trapping. I guess it partly depends on how much id experience you have to start with. As complete novices we went for the E 7593 40W actinic Rigid trap - scroll down the page to the white bucket! http://www.watdon.co.uk/the-naturalists/acatalog/Moth_traps.html
I think this type of light will give only about 35% of the moths that a mercury vapour will trap, but we've found there are more than enough to cope with!! The trap is easy to handle and store and we're certainly pleased with it. Good luck!
I think this type of light will give only about 35% of the moths that a mercury vapour will trap, but we've found there are more than enough to cope with!! The trap is easy to handle and store and we're certainly pleased with it. Good luck!
DMW
Well-known member
I think the starting point is to consider whether you want to use this exclusively in your garden, or whether you also want to be mobile and run your trap at 'remote' locations where no mains electricity is available.
If the former, you have the choice of running a trap with an actinic lamp or a mercury vapour (MV) lamp. If the latter, you will probably need to use a 12V actinic trap, which can be run off a battery, unless you own or are prepared to buy a generator.
MV lamps are the most effective for attracting moths, but another factor to consider in making this choice is whether you will annoy your neighbours with a bright light: MV lamps are very bright, and if this is an issue, actinic might be preferable.
Once you have decided on the type of lamp, you then need to consider whether you want to buy a ready-made trap, or make one yourself. Ready-made moth traps are bizarrely expensive for what they are, and if you have rudimentary DIY skills, it's quite easy to make a trap yourself.
I made a Robinson trap with 125V MV lamp, for about £100. This included pre-assembled electrics from Paul Batty. I think this is probably the best solution for budget-conscious garden use where neighbours are not a factor.
If the former, you have the choice of running a trap with an actinic lamp or a mercury vapour (MV) lamp. If the latter, you will probably need to use a 12V actinic trap, which can be run off a battery, unless you own or are prepared to buy a generator.
MV lamps are the most effective for attracting moths, but another factor to consider in making this choice is whether you will annoy your neighbours with a bright light: MV lamps are very bright, and if this is an issue, actinic might be preferable.
Once you have decided on the type of lamp, you then need to consider whether you want to buy a ready-made trap, or make one yourself. Ready-made moth traps are bizarrely expensive for what they are, and if you have rudimentary DIY skills, it's quite easy to make a trap yourself.
I made a Robinson trap with 125V MV lamp, for about £100. This included pre-assembled electrics from Paul Batty. I think this is probably the best solution for budget-conscious garden use where neighbours are not a factor.
I also have just started mothing. I bought a twin 30w actinic from Jon and am really pleased with the results. I am in a completely urban environment and have been regularly getting >100 moths of upto 45 species. That is certainly up at the top end of what I could handle with id'ing them. Have to say its addictive and most enjoyable!
Cheers
Phil
LizandDave
Well-known member
I just can't believe the prices for the traps. Means I'll never own one unless things changed a lot for us!
Dave
Dave
Paul Chapman
Well-known member
Postcardcv
Excellent advice already here. But to reinforce the fact that the starting point is to work out what type of trap you are able to run in your garden. I run an actinic out in the open and tuck an MV just around the corner out of direct sight of the neighbours.
An MV will attract more moths (but in my view is subject to more fluctuation because of artifical light and moonlight).
If you are mainly using it for overnight trapping and not checking the contents as you go along, I favour a Robinson over a Skinner which has more leakage.
All the best
Excellent advice already here. But to reinforce the fact that the starting point is to work out what type of trap you are able to run in your garden. I run an actinic out in the open and tuck an MV just around the corner out of direct sight of the neighbours.
An MV will attract more moths (but in my view is subject to more fluctuation because of artifical light and moonlight).
If you are mainly using it for overnight trapping and not checking the contents as you go along, I favour a Robinson over a Skinner which has more leakage.
All the best
thanks for all the helpful advice folks... not sure which way to go at the moment. I think I need to get an actinic one so as not to annoy the neighbours. Actually mine would probably be fine but I will probably try it in some friends gardens too so might as well play it safe. I have been looking at the heath trap from Watkins which looks like it comes in at around £100 delivered or the ALS skinner trap (£150). I am swaying towards the cheaper option as I have been spending to much on other toys lately. Anyone car to venture an opinion as to which is the better choice - is the ALS trap worth the extra money?
http://www.watdon.co.uk/the-naturalists/acatalog/Moth_traps.html looking at the 40w heath trap
http://www.angleps.com/mothtraps.php looking at the twin 30w skinner trap?
http://www.watdon.co.uk/the-naturalists/acatalog/Moth_traps.html looking at the 40w heath trap
http://www.angleps.com/mothtraps.php looking at the twin 30w skinner trap?
Paul Chapman
Well-known member
Entirely personally I would take a Skinner over a Heath trap for ease of being able to see the moths that have entered the trap and checking the contents. It is also likely to be more stable. For a £50 difference, considering if you enjoy the hobby, usage over a decade and maybe a hundred nights a year (subject to occasional replacement bulbs), I would recommend that.
All the best
All the best
Thanks again for the advice, I will save some pennies and get one soon.
