Skinner moth trap (2 Viewers)

[hampers]

I'm new to mothing and have just bought a skinner trap, after using a borrowed heath trap. Must say I'm very pleased with it and hope to use it extensively. I do have a question that I hope someone can help with. My bulbs are actinic so there is no problem if it rains, however what does concern me in the event of rain is the egg boxes inside. There are no drainage holes in the base and I can envisage water accumulation which would soak the egg boxes and possibly harm the moths. I'm think that maybe I could drill some drain holes and varnish to make them waterproof. Am I being over the top?

As an interim have put the base out of an old grill pan to lift the boxes off the base.

Would really like to hear other people's experiences of this type of trap and use if it rains.

Many thanks.

Phil

 

[Andy1979]

I don't tend to worry about the egg boxes getting wet. When the panels are in place, very little water tends to get in. I have never had a disaster (in 8 years using the same trap). Occasionally the bottom egg boxes get a little damp, but the moths just crawl to another box or cling to the sides. If it's forecast to rain all night, I don't trap anyway. If there is a little rain forecast, then I put the trap under a larger tree and even less rain gets in.

Andy M.

 

[MSA]

My Skinner trap has no base, and I make sure there are no boxes directly under the gap; I assume it's only puddles that would be a problem, so if your trap has a firmly-fixed base which is sealed around the edges, making it slope towards one corner (a small pebble or two under the opposite corner would work), with a small hole in that corner, should be fine and may not even be necessary, bearing in mind Andy's experiences.

 

[hampers]

Thanks for the replies, will adopt Mark's suggestion.

Cheers

Phil

 

[davidg]

I don't tend to worry about the egg boxes getting wet. When the panels are in place, very little water tends to get in. I have never had a disaster (in 8 years using the same trap). Occasionally the bottom egg boxes get a little damp, but the moths just crawl to another box or cling to the sides. If it's forecast to rain all night, I don't trap anyway. If there is a little rain forecast, then I put the trap under a larger tree and even less rain gets in.

Andy M.

In my experience it is a mistake to avoid rainy nights - my best catch of the year was a few days ago when there were thunderstorms and torrential rain for half the night! Drainage holes are essential otherwise water will pool at the bottom and there will be some casualties, otherwise the moths have sufficient sense to move away from the damp areas. You do get through a few egg boxes though!

David

 

[hampers]

David
Thank you, just been out to mine and its rained. Doesn't appear to be much of a problem, will put some drain holes in and set it at on rainy nights!

Cheers
Phil