Devices for trapping insects

Abstract

The present invention discloses trapping devices for biting (e.g. mosquitoes, sand flies, black flies, and biting midges) and nuisance flies (e.g. houseflies, filth flies, and fruit flies). The outdoor solution for biting flies includes a solar panel, a housing, a bag, and a ventilator located in the housing. The ventilator creates a capture zone having an airflow toward the bag. A CO2 generator, chemical attractants, a heat source, and a UV light attract mosquitoes to the capture zone. The chemical attractants are released continuously, the CO2 is released in pulses, and the ventilator and UV are operated in independent programmable intervals. The device is efficient in energy consumption and CO2 production. Other trapping devices are disclosed having a combination of insect-attracting mechanisms including a ventilator. Novel insect zappers including a ventilator are disclosed as well. Indoor and outdoor solutions for insects including biting and nuisance flies.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to insect-trapping devices for attracting and trapping biting flies (e.g. mosquitoes, sand flies, and biting midges) and nuisance flies (e.g. house flies, filth flies, and fruit flies).[0002]Biting flies and nuisance flies are major pests because of their troublesome biting behavior, and the general irritation they cause. Furthermore, some species are carriers of various human and animal diseases. Current control methods for these flies include: source reduction by removal and / or modification of breeding habitats, the use of pesticides to reduce larval and adult populations, and removing adults by trapping devices and toxic bait stations.[0003]There are numerous specialized traps in the prior art available to attract and kill all kind of insects; nevertheless, no trap in the prior art has been shown to be equally good at eliminating biting flies and nuisance flies. Typically, traps have a combination of attract...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]It is the purpose of the present invention to provide insect-trapping devices for attracting and trapping mosquitoes and other blood-sucking flying insects that improve on the prior art. Specifically, insect-trapping devices utilizing: shape and color patterns as a visual target; heat, CO2, and chemical attractants to attract biting and nuisance flies toward the device; UV light to knock out the flies' orientation; and improved suction and shielded electric grids to eliminate the flies from the vicinity.

[0016]According to the present invention there is provided a system for attracting and catching insects, especially biting flies and nuisance flies. The system features improved attracting and catching capability, and attractant dissipation. The combination of the features mentioned is important as there are numerous known parameters which are synergistic in attracting and catching biting flies and nuisance flies.

[0037]Preferably, the collection compartment includes an air baffle, having an internal labyrinth / valve system, for enabling the attracted insects to enter the collection compartment while the ventilator is operational, and for preventing the trapped insects from emerging from the collection compartment while the ventilator is not operational.

[0040]Preferably, the light-emitting element is shielded by a reflector for redirecting light from the light-emitting element toward a lower portion of the device in order to reduce an attraction of non-target insects.

Problems solved by technology

Biting flies and nuisance flies are major pests because of their troublesome biting behavior, and the general irritation they cause.

There are numerous specialized traps in the prior art available to attract and kill all kind of insects; nevertheless, no trap in the prior art has been shown to be equally good at eliminating biting flies and nuisance flies.

Small existing traps using solar power have not proven to be effective at catching and controlling mosquitoes.

Some of the major problems in the designs of prior-art traps, especially large outdoor traps, include the energy source, the airflow, the air turbulence, and the availability of CO2.

Specifically, the problems, associated with existing traps based on conventional features, include the following:(1) electric cords create potential obstacles that can lead to accidents (e.g. tripping, cutting, and disconnecting) besides the energy costs associated with continuous usage;(2) batteries need to be frequently recharged or changed, adding to the indirect costs (e.g. replacement costs, environmental disposal costs, and service time);(3) combustion sources (as a source of CO2) pose a potential fire and explosion hazard, and need to be frequently changed, adding to the indirect costs (e.g. replacement costs, environmental disposal costs, CO2 release, and service time);(4) chemical reactions (as a source of CO2) need to be frequently replenished, adding to the indirect costs (e.g. replacement costs, chemical containment / spill prevention, environmental disposal costs, and service time); and(5) catalytic processes (as a source of CO2) are limited to producing only small amounts of CO2 using state-of-the-art titanium technology.

Traps dependent on propane tanks, carbon dioxide tanks, or electricity make the trap more difficult to install and use.

Furthermore, carbon dioxide tanks are not readily available to the average consumer.

The resulting air turbulence often repels small insects, especially blood-sucking flies.

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