An integrated approach should be taken by businesses that have a problem with flying insects or flies. This involves examining both prevention and improving food hygiene to remove or reduce the food waste and food that attracts them.
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When installing an insect light trap (ILT), it is important to understand the differences between units that control or monitor a population. Although they look the same, control and monitoring units perform different tasks in areas (and within premises) that are subject to varying levels of fly infestation.
An integral approach to fly control includes the exclusion of flies and flying bugs by monitoring traps. This will ensure that you have proper equipment and policies in place (door, flyscreens, education, etc.). Monitoring traps are typically glued board units that enable a technician to count and record the species and number of flies captured by the trap.
Installing a fly trap machine to quickly eliminate flies is an essential component of fly control. Fly-borne diseases are less likely to be spread if they are eliminated quickly.
There are many options on the market for insect traps. They come in different sizes and shapes. We have listed the key factors that will help you make an informed decision.
Key factors while choosing an insect light trap
1. Attractiveness to Flies
Although it may seem obvious, choosing an insect light trap to attract flies or other pests is crucial. Manufacturers often make claims about the effectiveness of their devices, including how bright it is, how large it covers them, and even the number of species they attract.
However, the UV lamps used in these applications are not all equal. Fluorescent lamps can be made in different ways using different chemicals to alter the wavelengths and according to different manufacturing standards. They also fade very quickly, which reduces their effectiveness.
Lamps can be made to emit specific wavelengths. While the intensity of the light may seem important, the relative intensity above the ambient light level is what attracts flies. Flies are attracted to wavelengths that are outside the visible range of light. High-attraction lamps that are optimized for fly-control catch rates will provide greater efficacy.
2. Energy efficiency
The insect light traps can be left on for hours each day and night. This means that its energy consumption is a large part of its overall cost.
You should look out for ILTs which monitor the environment and provide different settings for day and night to reduce energy consumption and lower running costs.
Low-energy lamps give ILTs a three-year life span, compared with fluorescent tubes which last only one year. They also use less energy than standard flying insect killer – 10-33 Watts vs 45-90 Watts. Low-energy consumption and a longer lifespan reduce replacement costs and operating costs while reducing carbon emissions.
3. Protected Area
You should consider the space where the trap will be placed and the objects that might block the UV light. A smaller model will be needed for a restaurant’s kitchen or dining room than one that is large enough to accommodate a brightly lit supermarket fresh-food counter or warehouse.
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Examine the rating of the manufacturer for the area covered and the verification process. A lab accredited by the manufacturer has verified that the unit covers the area. Make sure you choose the right number of units. This is not only for the area to be covered, but also to ensure that the ILT unit has adequate light. Also, ensure that no corners are hidden or blocked by partitions, shelving, etc.
When protecting an area from fly infestations, installation is the most crucial step. The ILTs should be placed between the area you want to protect and entry points. They should also be at the right height away from any other light sources and food preparation areas.
4. Contrast background
ILT studies show that insect catch rates increase when the color of the unit is different from the wall where it is located. Because of the contrast, the unit stands out to more flies. Black and white are the two most contrasty colors. However, aesthetics is more important than anything. It doesn’t matter what color you choose for the insect light trap or wall. It is the contrast between them that matters.
5. Aesthetics
You don’t need an insect light trap that is a white metal box with a grid in the center. This will make it stand out to customers who are looking to impress with hygiene and customer service.
Hotels and restaurants, where aesthetics are most important, can choose stylish, unobtrusive models that blend in with the environment — to humans — but still, stand out from flying insects.
Because the lamp is just a few millimeters thick, ILTs with lamps can be slimmer and more elegant than those with fluorescent tubes. To complement the background and conceal the glue board, modern units can have colored panels at the front.
Also, consider an insect light trap that can be adjusted to suit your environment. It can switch between control and monitor modes depending on your requirements.
6. Shape
A trap or fly catcher machine with a wider opening is more effective in catching insects than one that is narrower or smaller. This is due to both the orientation and shape of the lamps and the light emitted. If lamps are oriented horizontally, flies will be attracted to the narrow, distinct bands of light emitted by these lamps. This is thought to be because the lamp mimics natural light shapes, such as a horizontal horizon.
7. Servicing
Two parts of an insect light trap need to be replaced. The lamp and the glue board. How easily the unit can be accessed to replace parts will depend on its design. Make sure your ILT is easy to open and maintain.
Food-handling ILTs should use a glue board, roll, or electric grid. This will ensure that insects are kept in check and are not scattered by the electric shock.
It is important to replace the glue board every so often and dispose of it properly. It should be included in a service contract to allow a trained technician to hygienically change parts without risk of cross-contamination.
Fluorescent lamps should be replaced every year, as mentioned previously. This is because the lamp’s light output decreases over time, which can lead to a rapid decline and compromise in fly control. Laboratory tests showed that used lamps are less effective in catching fly larvae than new lamps. LED lamps last at most three years, so they are less expensive to replace and service.
Commercial fly control with insect light traps
You should consider the following factors when choosing the commercial fly control product for your company: attractiveness to flies; energy efficiency; area to protect; contrasting colors; aesthetics; shape and service options. It may be worth looking at the different units that you can use to suit different environments.
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