Abstract: Systems and methods for a mosquito fitness tester are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: a rotatable enclosure comprising an enclosed cavity; a powertrain to rotate the rotatable enclosure in one or more axes; and one or more sensors to monitor one or more insects in the enclosed cavity.

Abstract: A cockroach trap includes a case including an opening and first and second compartments; a guide assembly disposed above the first compartment and including a channel communicating with the opening, and a bossed hole communicating with the channel; an open reservoir releasably disposed in the first compartment; a bait passageway in an upper portion of the reservoir and communicating with both the channel and the reservoir; an entrance sensor disposed proximate the channel; a pivotal trigger disposed above the second compartment and including a projection; and an air canister releasably disposed in the second compartment and including a plunger engaged with the projection, a nozzle, and a line having two ends connected to the nozzle and the bossed hole respectively. After the entrance sensor is activated, the projection presses the plunger to open the nozzle, thereby communicating the nozzle with the air canister.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to control the amplification of natural frequencies emanating from molecules, specifically insect sex pheromones. The pheromone molecules are deposited in a resonant cavity that allows the generation of coherent and/or semi-coherent radiation. The molecular emissions are amplified in the resonant cavity and allowed to escape through a small circular opening on top of the resonant cavity. The molecules and/or their emissions dissipate into the surroundings to attract insects towards the cavity. When the insect enters the resonant cavity, a trap door prevents the insect from exiting. The molecular emissions are produced by passive diffusion and passive amplification because no pumping radiation source is required. However pumping radiation can be integrated to assist the passive amplification or serve as a second attractant.

Abstract: A portable, self-sustaining, automatic device for eliminating mosquito larvae operates throughout the entire mosquito breeding season. Mosquitos are lured to lay eggs in the stagnant water contained within a breeding bowl of the device. The subsequent larvae is disposed of by tipping the bowl or uncovering a bottom bowl opening to empty the bowl of water and larvae and kill the larvae in a timed cycle before they become mosquitoes. A water reservoir supplies sufficient water to replenish the bowl throughout the season. The device is solar powered and timed to correspond to mosquito breeding cycles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing and time-sorting insects is provided. The apparatus comprises a receiving unit configured to serve as an entrance for the one or more insects; and facilitate trapping of the one or more insects. The apparatus further comprises a collecting unit comprising a plurality of containers configured to collect and retain the one or more insects trapped via the receiving unit, wherein the collecting unit is attached with the receiving unit such that at least a portion of the receiving unit is movable with respect to the plurality of containers. In addition, the apparatus comprises a control unit operationally connected with the receiving unit, wherein the control unit is configured to enable time-dependent movement of the portion of the receiving unit with respect to the plurality of containers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved ant trap. The ant trap includes a base having a central opening and the opening is suitable for storing liquid. A bait trap is located centrally within the central opening to maximize the number of ants in the central opening at any point in time. The ant trap, in an exemplary embodiment, includes an electromechanically operated platform, which is movable with respect to the central opening. In a first position the platform forms an ant path from the base to the bait trap. In a second position the platform is moved into the central opening. The central opening is filed with a liquid toxic to ants, but safe to mammals and the environment, generally. For example, a solution of sweet boric acid and water is used to fill the central opening. Upon moving, the platform is immersed in the liquid, thereby exterminating ants found thereon.

Abstract: A membrane enclosed fluid diffusion system for insect attractants and repellents, auto thermostatic heaters, and chemical delivery using an additive and/or selectively permeable membrane that interacts with the enclosed fluid to maintain steady delivery rates over a range of temperature and humidity. Systems can be formed with permeable membranes, impermeable membranes, chemical hydrates, wicks, scent fluids, fuel fluids, catalytic heaters, energy conversion devices, visible images, infrared images, trapping systems, sound systems, electronics, and apparel. The device results in efficient and effective devices for mosquito control drug delivery, and portable heaters.

Abstract: Methods determine how effective a product that dispenses an insect repellent or insecticide is in controlling flying insects such as mosquitoes, with no or reduced need for human test subjects. An insect trap or other automated monitoring device is positioned in a test environment and operated in a manner so as to mimic some human attribute (e.g. by dispensing carbon dioxide). Trap/monitoring results in the presence and absence of the operating product are obtained in order to judge relative effectiveness of the active. Further, the real time evaluation of insect populations permits evaluation of time needed to achieve base effectiveness and length of time that effectiveness can be sustained.

Abstract: An apparatus for catching an insect sitting on a contact surface. The apparatus includes a casing, a light source disposed in the casing for dazzling and immobilizing the insect on the contact surface, and a catch tube disposed in the casing and movable relative to the casing. The apparatus further includes a catch container disposed adjacent to the catch tube and a slider to lift the insect off the contact surface. The slider is movable relative to the casing.

Abstract: A kind of mosquito and fly killer, which at least includes round chassis with motor installed, a lure tray driven by motor and equipped on the round chassis, mosquito and fly collection channel and a collection box that connect with the channel that are both set on the lure tray, featuring that there are at least three movable baffles uniformly and vertically insert on the radial direction of the mentioned lure tray, the bottom of movable baffle is placed on the guide rail of the round chassis that consists of at least one ring loop; The mentioned guide rail is set with at least two parallel ring loops, arranged in the round chassis according to their height and fluctuation.

Abstract: An insect trap system including a housing having first and second opposing ends, the first opposing end defining an aperture, an insect attractant module configured to create an airborne attractant zone, a fan disposed and configured to draw air into the housing through the aperture, a gate configured to operate in a first state wherein airflow through the aperture is inhibited by the gate, and to operate in a second state wherein airflow through the aperture is not substantially inhibited by the gate, wherein the gate is maintained in the first state for a predetermined first time such that the airborne attractant zone is formed and the gate is maintained in the second state for a second predetermined time such that insects within a capture zone are compelled to enter the housing through the aperture, wherein the gate is configured to alternate between the first and second states.

Abstract: An automatic roach trap having a receiving container removably located in the trap enclosure. The trap utilizes a beam to detect roaches on a platform therein and actuates a mechanism to open an internal closure and coerce the roach into the underlying container. Access to the container is restricted during operation to prevent the escape of trapped roaches. The container is automatically closed upon withdrawal and designed to prevent inadvertent reopening during disposal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an object catcher including a support shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a sheet portion arranged adjacent to the distal end of the support shaft. The sheet portion defines a periphery. The object catcher further includes a line having a first end portion and a second end portion and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The intermediate portion of the line is slidably coupled to the periphery of the sheet portion, and the first and second end portions extend generally in parallel with the support shaft. With this construction, pulling the first and second end portions of the line in the direction from the distal end to the proximal end of the support shaft causes the periphery of the sheet portion to be gathered to thereby close the sheet portion.

Abstract: A flying insect trap comprises a housing, a tray for holding a reservoir of water that is insertable into the housing, a high efficiency “computer” fan for air flow, a blue ultraviolet light system to attract flying insects, a photocell to activate the fan and light system during hours of darkness, and a shelf inside the housing above the tray to support the fan and light system, and the electronic circuitry for powering the fan and the light. The blue ultraviolet light attracts the flying insects into the trap where they are blown by the fan into the water of the reservoir.

Abstract: A flytrap including a casing having a trapping area adapted for holding a bait for attracting flies, a flapping mechanism, a holding-down mechanism, and an intermittent action control device, wherein when the driving mechanism is turned on, the holding-down mechanism is moved by a driven member of the driving mechanism to hold down the flapping mechanism, and the intermittent action control device starts counting a predetermined length of time when the driven member is turned to switch off a power control switch in cutting off power supply from the driving mechanism, and the driving mechanism is started again when the counting is ended, causing the the holding-down mechanism to be released from the flapping mechanism, permitting the flapping mechanism to flap attracted flies with a flyflap.

Abstract: An automatic insect trap having a gathering chamber removably attached to the top surface of a disposable retention chamber. The gathering chamber includes a bounded passage with an infrared beam of radiation thereacross. The insect interrupts the beam to activate a sweep panel that moves along the passageway to urge the insect to an opening in the retention chamber.

Abstract: A trap system for preventing the entry of mosquitos into a defined area consists of a plurality of mosquito traps positioned at predetermined spacings around the perimeter of the defined area. The plurality of traps cooperate to form a barrier to entering the area.

Abstract: A fire ant trap having a stand comprising at least one prong for penetrating the surface of a fire ant mound and for supporting the trap above the mound. The fire ant trap also comprises an actuator assembly mounted atop the stand. The actuator assembly has a stalk member connected to the prong at a first end thereof and extending into a stem-like member at a second end thereof. The actuator assembly also comprises a timer and a stem-striking element for periodically impacting the stem member, and a container having an opening encircling and enclosing a portion of the stem member. In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a novel method for entrapping fire ants in a container, which is essentially a use of the aforesaid fire ant trap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of attracting and trapping insects which includes an elongate strip of trapping material having a sticky substance thereon. In one embodiment, the trapping material is provided as two adjacent plies which are unwound from a feed roll across feed rollers to a take-up roller. A trapping area is provided between the feed rollers. The supply and feed rollers and take-up rollers may be contained in a cartridge which is disposable. The cartridge can be inserted in a housing having auxiliary components such as electrical components and lighting. In alternate embodiments, the trapping material may be a filament-like material or may be tubular material which is provided in flattened form and expanded to tubular shape in the trapping area and thereafter rewound on the take-up roll.

Abstract: An automatic trap for catching cockroach independently of the size, volume or weight thereof, comprising a box with cockroach collecting cavity having an upper surface with a trap opening, at least two separate coplanar plates being provided to close said trap opening in a close position. Each plate has an electrical conducting portion connected to a control circuit which, in turn, is connected to a driving mechanism capable of being actuated to move the plates away from each other into an open position for uncovering the trap opening and providing access to the cockroach collecting cavity. When a cockroach simultaneously touches the electrical conducting portions of the plates, the portions are put into electrical contact because of the conductivity provided by the cockroach body, so that the driving mechanism is excited by the control circuit to move the plates to their open position.

Abstract: A solar powered ant terminator comprising a pan with an upper edge and a planar lower surface and side walls therebetween adapted to be set on the ground adjacent to a colony of ants, a motor secured with respect to the upper surface of the pan with an output shaft for providing a rotational motion, a cam secured to the output shaft adapted to be rotated upon the activation of the motor, a striker plate secured to one upper edge of the pan adjacent to the rotating cam which functions to induce a vibrational motion to the pan, a solar panel device adapted to convert the energy from the sun into electrical energy for powering the motor and an elongated electrical line coupling the solar panel device and the motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to prepare and deliver a gas mixture of constant composition of liquid chemical compounds soluble in liquid carbon dioxide to be used as an enhanced attractant for biting insects. The mixtures can be prepared in high pressure vessels where carbon dioxide remains liquified under its own vapor pressure or in low pressure vessels where carbon dioxide is kept liquid, at low pressure, by cooling it with a refrigeration unit. Direct vaporization of the liquid mixture from the vessels results in a gas mixture of constant composition. This mixture is to be delivered in a continuous or pulsed flow to an insect trap. These baited insect traps are an ecological alternative to chemical insecticide methods of insect control currently in use.

Abstract: An insect trap for use in capturing flies, ants and other insects, which insect trap utilizes a slowly moving baited conveyor belt to convey insects into the interior of the trap. In its preferred embodiments, the trap also features means for the continued refurbishment of the bait supply on the slowly moving conveyor belt.

Abstract: An automated, adjustable-interval insect trap includes a plurality of individual cards having a surface coated with insect adhesive to capture insects. The cards are received on trays having wheels that engage a series of four parallel guide rails. By operation of a positioning mechanism, the trays carrying the cards are moved along the guide rails, one at a time, into an insect capturing position for a selected time interval. The positioning mechanism includes a timer, a drive motor, an axle operatively connected to the drive motor and a series of spaced fan plates mounted on the axle at longitudinally spaced positions. The plates function to sequentially pass the trays under the force of gravity along the guide rails as the axle is rotated by the drive motor.

Abstract: An aqueous formulation for the control of social insects, especially wasps, and a method for its use. The formulation contains insect attracting ingredients and a toxicant in water. The toxicant is a hemisalt preparation of a perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid which is partially neutralized to a pH of between 2.8 and 6.5.

Abstract: A mosquito-killing fan includes: a mosquito catcher rotated in a direction opposite to a rotating direction of an air fan rotatably driven by a driving motor mounted in a casing. A fluorescent lamp is secured in a bottom portion of the casing. An air stream is drafted inwardly for sucking mosquitoes flying in the air stream so as to be caught by the mosquito catcher. The mosquitoes will be killed after being impacted against the catcher by the air stream. A mosquito killing device is thus provided which prevents the hazard of an electrical shock.

Abstract: A trap for collecting gravid mosquitos includes a smooth surfaced vessel containing oviposition attractant, such as an infusion of hay in water. A strip of rough material is located above the surface of the oviposition attractant. An infrared sensor adjacent the strip and above the surface of the oviposition attractant activates a trigger circuit which turns on a fan. The smooth surfaced vessel is unsuitable for oviposition by a gravid mosquito. The rough strip, however, provides a mosquito attempting to lay eggs with a good purchase above the water. When a mosquito finds the rough strip and moves towards the water, the mosquito interrupts an infrared beam. The infrared sensor activates the trigger circuit to turn on the fan for a short period. The fan produces an air flow through a suction tube to draw the mosquito through the suction tube into a collection tube. The inventive trap is fully automated, robust, and does not damage mosquitos during capture.

Abstract: A battery-powered fan in a portable device produces a stream of air in a housing to draw insects into contact with two electrodes. The device includes a battery-powered voltage generator to produce a sufficiently high difference of potential across the electrodes to destroy insects connecting both electrodes at the same time. The direction of rotation of the fan rotor may be reversed to blow the remains of the insects out of the housing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for attracting insects to a point above a hat and above a person's head. The apparatus includes a member on one end coated with an insect attractant and a clip means at the other end, such as for clipping onto a hat. The insect attractant can be of a scent to attract insects, such as gnats, mosquitos or flies, and can resemble such scents as body sweat on the skin, natural scents of a person, or scents of male and female insects, thereby attracting both sexes of the insects. The clip on the other end can be a spring clip or an alligator clip, or a head-encircling spring structure.

Abstract: An insect eradication device utilizes an incandescent light source to lure insects into a predetermined zone proximal the apparatus enclosure. A suction fan establishes a sub-atmospheric region within the enclosure. Insects with the predetermined zone are entrained within the resulting high velocity airflow and disintegrated upon entering the closely spaced fan blades. The resulting debris is deposited in a removable collection chamber for periodic disposal.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture are disclosed for the controlled delivery of pest controlling substances. Methods for producing such articles and utilizing them in pest control programs are also described. Laminated articles are provided which comprise one or more layers containing active pest control and pest attractant substances and which allow the controlled release of the pest controlling substance from within the laminate to the surface of the laminate so as to maximize efficiency against target species in the surrounding environment. The laminated structure also permits prolonged, controlled release of pest controlling substances and properly timed combinations of such substances that might otherwise be prematurely dissipated, decomposed or inefficiently applied. Various combinations of polymers materials and active agents and a number of different laminated structures are utilized to optimize efficient use of the pest controlling substance against a variety of target species.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture are disclosed for the controlled delivery of pest controlling substances. Methods for producing such articles and utilizing them in pest control programs are also described. Laminated articles are provided which comprise one or more layers containing active pest control and pest attractant substances and which allow the controlled release of the pest controlling substance from within the laminate to the surface of the laminate so as to maximize efficiency against target species in the surrounding environment. The laminated structure also permits prolonged, controlled release of pest controlling substances and properly timed combinations of such substances that might otherwise be prematurely dissipated, decomposed or inefficiently applied. Various combinations of polymeric materials and active agents and a number of different laminated structures are utilized to optimize efficient use of the pest controlling substance against a variety of target species.

Abstract: A roach trap including a housing removably on a container. A tube is provided between a roach entry compartment and bait compartment, and a disposable bag is contained in the bait compartment for catching roaches urged through the tube by a helical empeller triggered by an electric eye means.

Abstract: A rotary insect trap is provided comprising a receptacle having an opening which is closed by an elongated rotor having a number of wings. Some of the wings are always in contact with the opening boundaries closing the interior of the trap receptacle against the surrounding. The rotor wings extend substantially across the whole length of the rotor and are shaped or made with a plurality of slots being in parallel with one another and extending rectangularly onto the rotor axis so that they separate gill-shaped radial portions of the wings from one another. A comb-shaped member comprising a plurality of teeth, pins or gills is arranged in the opening so that the teeth or the like engage each individual slot in the rotor for cleaning the surfaces of the wings when the rotor is rotated. The rotor can comprise a plurality of radial gills mounted spacingly onto a rotor shaft or can be moulded as an integral piece.

Abstract: A box-shaped device for trapping flies including a bottom opening below which a fly food tray is positioned. Means are provided to periodically agitate the food tray so as to cause flies alighting thereon to enter into the fly trap through the bottom entry thereof.