Self-Renewing Glue-Roller Mosquito Trap

The problem

Light traps with glue boards are widely used against mosquitoes and flies because they use no insecticide and give no electric zap. Their drawback, as the patent describes it, is the glue board: it fills up, has to be replaced often, costs money every time and is unpleasant to handle.

The solution

The patent turns the glue board into a self-renewing roller:

1. A roller (2) runs across a frame (1) and is turned slowly by a motor (7).
2. Above it, a glue box (3) with a lid (32) has a drip slot (31) and guide plates (33). Glue flows out and coats the roller evenly as it turns.
3. A lure lamp tube (5) in front of the roller attracts insects, which stick to the glue.
4. Behind the roller, a scraper (4) - tangent to the roller, with a deflector lip (41) - wipes off the used glue and the caught insects.
5. They fall into a collection tray (6) in the bottom of the frame, which is emptied from time to time.
6. A cover (9) encloses the motor and the electrical parts (8); a mesh guard (10) lets the light out but keeps fingers away from the roller.

Who it is for

• Pest-control product brands selling light traps for homes, patios and businesses.
• Commercial kitchen, food-plant and hospitality suppliers who use insect light traps every day.
• Farm, stable and greenhouse suppliers fighting flies and mosquitoes.

How it works

The main parts

Running it

1. Fill the glue box (3) and close the lid (32).
2. Switch on - usually in the evening. The lamp (5) lights and the motor (7) turns the roller (2) slowly.
3. Glue drips through the slot (31) and spreads evenly on the roller.
4. Insects fly to the light and stick to the roller.
5. As the roller turns, the scraper (4) wipes off the catch into the tray (6).
6. Empty the tray and top up the glue when needed.

The patent notes that the motor speed can be set steplessly, for example with a time relay that sets how long one turn takes.

Applications

Patios, porches and backyards

Evening mosquito control where people sit outside (under cover from rain).

Restaurants and commercial kitchens

Flying-insect control without sprays near food preparation.

Food processing and warehouses

Continuous trapping that needs less hands-on board changing.

Farms, stables and greenhouses

Flies and flying pests around animals and plants.

Hotels and resorts

Outdoor bars, terraces and walkways.

Where it is less suitable

• Heavy rain exposure - the glue box and electrics need shelter or a weatherproof version.
• Insects not drawn to light - light traps work on flying insects that respond to UV.