The Homebase Funnel Trap (:0))

This is how I have constructed a simple garden trap and I will be comparing the results to the skinner that I normally use.

1) I purchased a plastic storage box with a clip-on lid from homebase for less than a fiver. The dimensions are 550mm long x 400mm wide and 300mm high. It maybe better to use a bigger one.

2) Two 8" diameter clear plastic kitchen funnels

3) Cut holes in lid to drop the funnels in. The funnels have been cut shorter so that the hole is around 40mm diameter

4) Position egg boxes, click on plastic lid and drop the funnels in the lid holes
5) A simple wooden frame with the lighting is straddled over the trap with the lights directly over the centre of the funnels. The 11watt actinics that i am using can sit 2 or 3 inches below the rim of the funnels. With the frame completely separate, height of lamps is easily adjusted

THE ELECTRICS

The electrics for this trap are quite simple. You will need :-

2 x Sylvania CF 11W/BL350 lamps, or equivalent

2 x lampholders to suit (this can be a bit tricky so a visit to the local Electrical Wholesaler may be necessary) These lampholders have a centre fixing hole at the base.

2 x Tridonic EC9 ballasts (Again, the local wholesaler)
1 x 100mm x 100mm x 50mm adaptable box will neatly house the ballasts.

1 x 13amp plug top and flexible cable

1.00 mm twin lighting cable to supply the lampholder. This is used because it has solid copper cores which push into the lampholder spring clip terminal. Multi stranded flexible cable is not strong enough to push into the lampholder and will bend.

The whole thing is fixed to a frame which straddles the trap and the lamps are positioned over the centre of each funnel. I have high hopes for this device and think the retention rate will be higher than the skinner, however, the capture rate will probably favour the skinner.

Despite the rain and the 20mm of it at the bottom of the 15watt actinic skinner (must put some drainage holes in it !) This Satellite was found sheltering within. A new species for my garden. Tried out my twin 11 watt PL Homebase funnel trap (pictured above) but nothing doing.
This trap is an experiment, made from a homebase plastic storage box with clip-on lid and two 8inch funnels dropped into the lid. Lighting is two 11 watt PL two pin lamps and lampholders. The two ballasts are housed in a small adaptable box which can be seen in the doorway to my garden shed. I like it, but will the moths ? watch this space. (temperature was 4 degrees C and rainy)
The skinner is also pictured, at the top and had its first catch of the year with the obliging Satellite.