making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

mark wrote:
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and


Investigate the chances of getting an old neon advertising sign
from your favorite bar. I'm guessing the transformer in it would
zap bugs pretty good.


technomaNge
--

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

You have a bunch of issues looming: The wires radiate current into the
air so the more wire the more current lost to ionization. Since most
areas with mosquitoes are also damp with high humidity, your ionization
losses will be just that much higher.

Once you use a bigger transformer you start getting into the possibility
of fatal issues for humans. That is a big grid to keep small hands out of.

You will also have trouble keeping the spacing just right over that long
a distance. I dealt with a large electrostatic dust collector, each wire
was spring loaded to maintain uniform spacing. Also, the wires were
nichrome to calm down corrosion problems.

Suitable transformers are the small neon sign transformers or the power
supplies in old style microwaves with the BIG transformer.

I think I'd be looking at some sort of fan that draws a lot of air
through a much smaller grid. Much less required current, much easier to
get proper guarding.



mark wrote:
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Jun 7, 7:50*pm, mark wrote:
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.



Bug zappers don't work on mosquitoes...they are not attracted to the
UV light.

But unfortunately many beneficial insects are.

And yes I know they are great to watch in action...but again they are
more bad than good.

Mosquitoes are attracted to your CO2 emissions and clothing color.

There are many species of mosquitoes and the females (the ones that
bite) hunt at different times of the day determined by lighting and
temperature.

Avoiding those times greatly lessens the chance of bites.

Since they track CO2 and heat, putting any distance between you and
them also helps.

Removing ANY standing water (they can breed in a teaspoon of water)
will GREATLY reduce the mosquitoes you have.

Especially pools, check gutters and backyard ponds.
(Did you know that Phoenix has a major mosquito problem because of
standing water in abandoned pools?)

Here is some more info..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosquito_control

TMT

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Jun 7, 8:51*pm, RoyJ wrote:
You have a bunch of issues looming: The wires radiate current into the
air so the more wire the more current lost to ionization. Since most
areas with mosquitoes are also damp with high humidity, your ionization
losses will be just that much higher.

Once you use a bigger transformer you start getting into the possibility
of fatal issues for humans. That is a big grid to keep small hands out of..

You will also have trouble keeping the spacing just right over that long
a distance. I dealt with a large electrostatic dust collector, each wire
was spring loaded to maintain uniform spacing. Also, the wires were
nichrome to calm down corrosion problems.

Suitable transformers are the small neon sign transformers or the power
supplies in old style microwaves with the BIG transformer.

I think I'd be looking at some sort of fan that draws a lot of air
through a much smaller grid. Much less required current, much easier to
get proper guarding.

mark wrote:
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

A word about microwave transformers.

They supply MORE than enough current to kill you...instantly.

Building anything that is left unattended like a bug zapper or
electric fence out of them is just asking for a manslaughter sentence
when someone is killed.

TMT

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Jun 7, 7:50*pm, mark wrote:
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

More info..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bug_zapper

TMT

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"mark" wrote in message
...
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

Get a small squirrel cage fan and attach a burlap sack to the outlet. Place
a light in front of the intake for the fan and you will suck up incredible
quantities of mosquitoes and other flying bugs. A lot less dangerous and a
lot quieter.

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Sun, 7 Jun 2009 22:04:45 -0700, the renowned "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"mark" wrote in message
...
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

Get a small squirrel cage fan and attach a burlap sack to the outlet. Place
a light in front of the intake for the fan and you will suck up incredible
quantities of mosquitoes and other flying bugs. A lot less dangerous and a
lot quieter.

US 6655078 uses propane to generate heat and CO2 signatures that
resemble a warm-blooded victim.


Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"Spehro Pefhany" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 7 Jun 2009 22:04:45 -0700, the renowned "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"mark" wrote in message
...
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

Get a small squirrel cage fan and attach a burlap sack to the outlet.
Place
a light in front of the intake for the fan and you will suck up incredible
quantities of mosquitoes and other flying bugs. A lot less dangerous and
a
lot quieter.

US 6655078 uses propane to generate heat and CO2 signatures that
resemble a warm-blooded victim.


Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
Info for manufacturers:
http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers:
http://www.speff.com

50 years ago, my dad's buddy used the fan and light to catch a ton of bugs
each night at Clear Lake, CA. The light generated heat that the biters
would clue in on as well as the light sucking in lots of other annoyances to
the sucker.

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"
50 years ago, my dad's buddy used the fan and light to catch a ton of bugs
each night at Clear Lake, CA.

If he is still around ask him if he knew a State Highway Engineer named Gene
Calman.
--
Stupendous Man,
Defender of Freedom, Advocate of Liberty

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Jun 8, 1:50*am, mark wrote:
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

The size should not matter. Use the bug zapper power supply or a
electronic air freshener. Do not use a Neon Sign Transformer or a
Microwave Oven Transformer. They are too powerful. Will cost you
more in electicity and can kill any pets, children or adults that
contact your grid.


Dan

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"mark" wrote in message
...
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

Mosquitos are attracted to CO2. Make a small dispenser of that, and put a
suction hose near it, and you will be amazed. You can use a small fan
instead of a shop vac to keep the noise down.

Steve

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

Let the Record show that mark on or about Sun,
7 Jun 2009 17:50:31 -0700 (PDT) did write/type or cause to appear in
rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

I've always wanted to build a bug zapping laser setup. Aiming was
always the issue, but I think we can get the bugs worked out now.
-
pyotr filipivich
We will drink no whiskey before its nine.
It's eight fifty eight. Close enough!

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

Let the Record show that mark on or about Mon,
8 Jun 2009 11:51:53 -0700 (PDT) did write/type or cause to appear in
rec.crafts.metalworking the following:
On Jun 7, 10:54*pm, Too_Many_Tools wrote:
On Jun 7, 7:50*pm, mark wrote:

I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

Bug zappers don't work on mosquitoes...they are not attracted to the
UV light.

But unfortunately many beneficial insects are.

And yes I know they are great to watch in action...but again they are
more bad than good.

Mosquitoes are attracted to your CO2 emissions and clothing color.

There are many species of mosquitoes and the females (the ones that
bite) hunt at different times of the day determined by lighting and
temperature.

Avoiding those times greatly lessens the chance of bites.

Since they track CO2 and heat, putting any distance between you and
them also helps.

Removing ANY standing water (they can breed in a teaspoon of water)
will GREATLY reduce the mosquitoes you have.

Especially pools, check gutters and backyard ponds.
(Did you know that Phoenix has a major mosquito problem because of
standing water in abandoned pools?)

Here is some more info..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosquito_control

TMT

That is funny because I bought a small $50 one last week and it is
hanging in my garage and under it is a few 1000 dead mosquitos and no
other insects. It has a UV light in the center and an Octenal
attractant under it. My problem is I want to kill millions not
thousands.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows...C%2B15%2BW.jsp

If you're out to kill millions, either pony up for more zappers,
or seek some other means. I.e. prevent the buggers from being hatched
in the first place, or reaching maturity.

tschus
pyotr

-
pyotr filipivich
We will drink no whiskey before its nine.
It's eight fifty eight. Close enough!

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"pyotr filipivich" wrote

If you're out to kill millions, either pony up for more zappers,
or seek some other means. I.e. prevent the buggers from being hatched
in the first place, or reaching maturity.

IIRC, professional and governmental mosquito control programs are aimed at
the eradication in the early stages of their lives before they take wing.
Most effective way to get the most.

Steve

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

Steve Ackman wrote:

A single bat eats 3000 mosquitos every night. Given
suitable shelter and reliable water supply, they can
be enticed to move onto your property, handling your
bat problem much more effectively than a zapper ever
will.

Gotta link?

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"Wes" wrote in message
...
Steve Ackman wrote:

A single bat eats 3000 mosquitos every night. Given
suitable shelter and reliable water supply, they can
be enticed to move onto your property, handling your
bat problem much more effectively than a zapper ever
will.

Gotta link?

Build a belfry on your house. Then you'll have bats in your belfry. And if
you make it a traditional one (originally it was a medieval siege tower),
you'll be ready to defend your house when the Others come charging up the
hill -- no matter who the Others happen to be at the time. g

--
Ed Huntress

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"Ed Huntress" wrote:

Build a belfry on your house. Then you'll have bats in your belfry. And if
you make it a traditional one (originally it was a medieval siege tower),
you'll be ready to defend your house when the Others come charging up the
hill -- no matter who the Others happen to be at the time. g

I'll stick to the remote detonated mines ;)

Wes

--
PS just kidding DHS.

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:54:31 -0400, the infamous Wes
scrawled the following:

Steve Ackman wrote:

A single bat eats 3000 mosquitos every night. Given
suitable shelter and reliable water supply, they can
be enticed to move onto your property, handling your
bat problem much more effectively than a zapper ever
will.

Gotta link?

http://tinyurl.com/nh89cn $70 my arse! g

http://www.eparks.org/wildlife_prote.../bat_house.asp
20 free plans

Several plans say to caulk and paint them. -Don't!- Bats don't like
the fumes. They're the original eco-elitists.

I cut some 1/8" kerfs all the way across the inner boards at 1/2"
intervals for my neighbor's bat houses. It gives the bats places to
grip while they sleep.

--
The doctor can bury his mistakes, but an architect
can only advise his client to plant vines.
--FLW

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On 2009-06-09, Larry Jaques novalidaddress@di wrote:
On Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:54:31 -0400, the infamous Wes
scrawled the following:

Steve Ackman wrote:

A single bat eats 3000 mosquitos every night. Given
suitable shelter and reliable water supply, they can
be enticed to move onto your property, handling your
bat problem much more effectively than a zapper ever
will.

[ ... ]

http://www.eparks.org/wildlife_prote.../bat_house.asp
20 free plans

Several plans say to caulk and paint them. -Don't!- Bats don't like
the fumes. They're the original eco-elitists.

Hmm ... what about the tar paper on the roof of the bat house to
absorb sunlight and warm it more? If that is outside, is it acceptable?

Enjoy,
DoN.

--
Email: | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564
(too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html
--- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero ---

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

That's true, but it's still often necessary to deal with the skeeters
that reach adulthood. See, e.g.,

http://www.clarkemosquito.com/produc...e ntlist=1,11

Also, ahem,
http://www.google.com/patents/about?...BAJ&dq=6939110

Those are just baby versions of an orchard airblast sprayer. I've got a
couple PTO units for 60 horse tractors. You can get up to 500 hp. engine
driven units.

Karl

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

Wes wrote:

Steve Ackman wrote:

A single bat eats 3000 mosquitos every night. Given
suitable shelter and reliable water supply, they can
be enticed to move onto your property, handling your
bat problem much more effectively than a zapper ever
will.

Gotta link?


Dragonflies are supposed to eat their weight in mosquitoes every
day. They are a lot cleaner than Ed & his bats, too. When I lived
further south in Florida, the Dragonflies did a great job on the
mosquitoes. When they had done their job, the birds would thin them
out.


--
You can't have a sense of humor, if you have no sense!

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message
m...

Wes wrote:

Steve Ackman wrote:

A single bat eats 3000 mosquitos every night. Given
suitable shelter and reliable water supply, they can
be enticed to move onto your property, handling your
bat problem much more effectively than a zapper ever
will.

Gotta link?


Dragonflies are supposed to eat their weight in mosquitoes every
day. They are a lot cleaner than Ed & his bats, too. When I lived
further south in Florida, the Dragonflies did a great job on the
mosquitoes. When they had done their job, the birds would thin them
out.

Harboring dragonflies could get you in a lot of trouble down there.
Mosquitoes are Florida's state bird.

--
Ed Huntress

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Tue, 9 Jun 2009 02:01:28 -0500, "William Wixon"
wrote:

[snip]

this season i sent away for a one pound container of "Vectobac WDG". i
sprayed my "wetland" (swamp). the stuff works but i've got to get into a
regular routine of spraying (which i haven't gotten around to doing yet).

http://www.groworganic.com/item_PBI2...eses=4 908074

best price i could find.

b.w.


I don't know the details of your swamp, but have you tried stocking it
with little fish? They love to gobble up mosquito larvae. Just be sure
to choose something that doesn't get huge when given the space (ie, no
goldfish).

Joe

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:34:29 -0500, technomaNge wrote:

mark wrote:
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and


Investigate the chances of getting an old neon advertising sign
from your favorite bar. I'm guessing the transformer in it would
zap bugs pretty good.


technomaNge

I have a couple of different bug zappers - a large industrial one, and
a couple of small indoors Wally POS. IIRC, they both put out about 300
volts. The trick is to get the spacing of the grid far enough to
prevent arcing, yet allow it to arc when something gets between the
conductors. As someone else pointed out, a neon Xformer, at a few
thousand volts, would waste a lot of energy from corona discharge. I
doubt the "lethal" claim though. I make neon stuff for fun, and I've
gotten nailed a number of times by the power supplies. Very
uncomfortable, but current-limited.

Now the scary thing is when I bombard the newly evacuated tubes - I
use a 5 kVA Xformer, at about 15kV, and up to 0.5 Amps. That sucker
will drop you for good. When bombarding, keep your free hand in your
pocket, and don't even *point* at the work in progress!

Joe

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

* Dragonflies are supposed to eat their weight in mosquitoes every
day. *They are a lot cleaner than Ed & his bats, too. *When I lived
further south in Florida, the Dragonflies did a great job on the
mosquitoes. *When they had done their job, the birds would thin them
out.

Harboring dragonflies could get you in a lot of trouble down there.
Mosquitoes are Florida's state bird.

And I thought that was the palmetto bug...
--Glenn Lyford

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

Steve Ackman wrote:
A single bat eats 3000 mosquitos every night. Given
suitable shelter and reliable water supply, they can
be enticed to move onto your property, ...

My bat story:
When we remodeled, some siding was stripped from the house, leaving very
small gaps to access the attic. The bats moved in, but were trapped
when we replaced the siding. We got them out & decided to make a proper
house for them. Well, it was 11 YEARS before they moved into that
house. It took them 2 weeks to move into the attic, but 11 years for
the bat house! Either they are very picky or very stupid, or both.

So, they have been using their house & it's newer, larger one for 10
years now & we have a good sized population, judged by the pile of guano
beneath the house. But I have never seen a bat coming from that house!
I haven't staked it out, but I have looked. Never seen one. Very
stealthy.

As for the mosquitoes, it's hard to say, but I like to believe that the
bats are doing one hell of a job G. Here is one fact though: the
bats show up (from their winter quarters) long before mosquito season.
So they eat more than just mosquitoes, perhaps other bugs preferentially
to mosquitoes.

Bob

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Jun 9, 12:34*am, "Calif Bill" wrote:
"mark" wrote in message

...
On Jun 7, 10:54 pm, Too_Many_Tools wrote:



On Jun 7, 7:50 pm, mark wrote:

I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

Bug zappers don't work on mosquitoes...they are not attracted to the
UV light.

But unfortunately many beneficial insects are.

And yes I know they are great to watch in action...but again they are
more bad than good.

Mosquitoes are attracted to your CO2 emissions and clothing color.

There are many species of mosquitoes and the females (the ones that
bite) hunt at different times of the day determined by lighting and
temperature.

Avoiding those times greatly lessens the chance of bites.

Since they track CO2 and heat, putting any distance between you and
them also helps.

Removing ANY standing water (they can breed in a teaspoon of water)
will GREATLY reduce the mosquitoes you have.

Especially pools, check gutters and backyard ponds.
(Did you know that Phoenix has a major mosquito problem because of
standing water in abandoned pools?)

Here is some more info..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosquito_control

TMT

That is funny because I bought a small $50 *one last week and it is
hanging in my garage and under it is a few 1000 dead mosquitos and no
other insects. It has a UV light in the center and an Octenal
attractant under it. My problem is I want to kill millions not
thousands.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brows...osquitoPestCon...

Problem with killing a mosquito is 10,000 of his relatives come to the
funeral.

It sounds like you need to do some standing water control...

Years ago I lived elsewhere in the country where I had one hell of a
lot of mosquitoes.

A hour of draining standing water made the problem go away as I
destroyed thousands of wigglers waiting to hatch into the bloodsuckers
I hate.

TMT

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Jun 8, 4:01*pm, "SteveB" wrote:
"pyotr filipivich" wrote

If you're out to kill millions, either pony up for more zappers,
or seek some other means. *I.e. prevent the buggers from being hatched
in the first place, *or reaching maturity.

IIRC, professional and governmental mosquito control programs are aimed at
the eradication in the early stages of their lives before they take wing.
Most effective way to get the most.

Steve

Yeah, but when your standing water is the gazillion lakes of
Minnesota, control becomes a purely local thing. That hum you hear as
darkness falls isn't the local highline! Probably the OP is in a
similar area. What I HAVE seen is a unit that generates CO2 using a
barbeque tank and zaps the bugs that come calling. I expect in the
backwoods that you'd need several to even make a small dent in the
local concentrations. In the catalogs of the outdoors suppliers, like
Sportsman's Guide, Cheaper Than Dirt, Cabela's and the like.

Stan

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Jun 8, 1:50*am, mark wrote:
I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it.

Another idea would be to search on the internet and find the color of
clothes that mosquitos prefer. And just stretch some cloth sprayed
with Permithren or other insecticide over the frame. No high voltage,
no screwing around with wiring up a grid, more portable, no extension
cord.

Dan

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

Michael A. Terrell wrote:

Dragonflies are supposed to eat their weight in mosquitoes every
day. They are a lot cleaner than Ed & his bats, too. When I lived
further south in Florida, the Dragonflies did a great job on the
mosquitoes. When they had done their job, the birds would thin them
out.


Great! Now how do I build a Dragonfly house? :)

Sometime in the past, someone here gave a link to a bat house
that could be made from one 4'x8' sheet of plywood.
I thought I had saved it but can't find it now.

My Google-fu didn't find plans for a single sheet of plywood.
Can someone find it?


technomaNge
--
Obama: half white, half black, all red.

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

Ed Huntress wrote:

"Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message
m...

Wes wrote:

Steve Ackman wrote:

A single bat eats 3000 mosquitos every night. Given
suitable shelter and reliable water supply, they can
be enticed to move onto your property, handling your
bat problem much more effectively than a zapper ever
will.

Gotta link?


Dragonflies are supposed to eat their weight in mosquitoes every
day. They are a lot cleaner than Ed & his bats, too. When I lived
further south in Florida, the Dragonflies did a great job on the
mosquitoes. When they had done their job, the birds would thin them
out.

Harboring dragonflies could get you in a lot of trouble down there.
Mosquitoes are Florida's state bird.


Only when feeding on Northern tourists. Also, they aren't
'harbored', they are 'hangared'.


--
You can't have a sense of humor, if you have no sense!

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

Glenn Lyford wrote:

Dragonflies are supposed to eat their weight in mosquitoes every
day. They are a lot cleaner than Ed & his bats, too. When I lived
further south in Florida, the Dragonflies did a great job on the
mosquitoes. When they had done their job, the birds would thin them
out.

Harboring dragonflies could get you in a lot of trouble down there.
Mosquitoes are Florida's state bird.

And I thought that was the palmetto bug...


No, those are placed around 'tourists' that don't know its time to go
home.


--
You can't have a sense of humor, if you have no sense!

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

Regarding defense:

we saw somewhere - Spray Listerine and it is as good as any keep off me stuff.

My wife bought a pair of bottles at Sams - one for the shop and house.

I sprayed with a small hand sprayer - the door sides and entrances.

Three roll-up and and door. Fourth roll-up stays down.

All week I was using deep woods... It worked once remembered...

After applying - no smell to me - but no bugs either - even after dusk
and the lights on inside and out.

So just maybe it really works.

Martin

mark wrote:
I want to build a large bug zapper similar to the tenis racket shaped
hand held type. I want to make a 4' X 4' wood or plastic frame and
have alternate +/- wires running parallel 1/4" apart. What type of
transformer would I need in terms of volts/amps and would it be
commonly used in something else. Could I use the parts of a small
commercially bought bug zapper (3000 volts) or does the size of my
plan warrant a much larger transformer? I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it. Another idea I had was spraying a mist of soapy water with my
pressure washer, I tried it with a small spray bottle and it works
great, it wets them and they can't fly and then suffocate.

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

" wrote:

On Jun 8, 1:50 am, mark wrote:
I am going crazy due to the
mosquitos around here. I have a mosquito magnet and small bug zapper
now but I need something more effective. I would like to place this
contraption near the mosquito magnet as there is alway clouds of them
near it.

Another idea would be to search on the internet and find the color of
clothes that mosquitos prefer. And just stretch some cloth sprayed
with Permithren or other insecticide over the frame. No high voltage,
no screwing around with wiring up a grid, more portable, no extension
cord.


I noticed, years ago that when I switched to diet soda, and
eliminated any sugar sweetened food from my diet that they don't bother
me as much as they do, others who still use lots of sugar.


--
You can't have a sense of humor, if you have no sense!

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

technomaNge wrote:

Michael A. Terrell wrote:

Dragonflies are supposed to eat their weight in mosquitoes every
day. They are a lot cleaner than Ed & his bats, too. When I lived
further south in Florida, the Dragonflies did a great job on the
mosquitoes. When they had done their job, the birds would thin them
out.


Great! Now how do I build a Dragonfly house? :)


Dragonflies seem to nest near water. Its amazing the colors they
come in. I stepped out my front door about 12 years ago and saw seven,
powder blue dragonflies with about a three inch wingspan lined up on the
edge of the step. They were all in a neat line, and angled about 45
degrees like a small fleet of bi-planes waiting for their turn to take
off. I wish I had owned a good camera with a macro lens, back then.
I've never seen anything like it, again.

--
You can't have a sense of humor, if you have no sense!

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"Ed Huntress" wrote:

Harboring dragonflies could get you in a lot of trouble down there.
Mosquitoes are Florida's state bird.

I was out in the garage er shop tonight moving things out of the way so I can insulate the
room I'm making in there for the lathe and mill. I left when mosquitoes that would barely
fit in a 1.25" dia sphere showed up. Damn, never saw them that big before. Normally they
are 1/2" inchers.

Wes
--
"Additionally as a security officer, I carry a gun to protect
government officials but my life isn't worth protecting at home
in their eyes." Dick Anthony Heller

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

On Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:11:37 -0400, "Michael A. Terrell"
wrote:


technomaNge wrote:

Michael A. Terrell wrote:

Dragonflies are supposed to eat their weight in mosquitoes every
day. They are a lot cleaner than Ed & his bats, too. When I lived
further south in Florida, the Dragonflies did a great job on the
mosquitoes. When they had done their job, the birds would thin them
out.


Great! Now how do I build a Dragonfly house? :)


Dragonflies seem to nest near water. Its amazing the colors they
come in. I stepped out my front door about 12 years ago and saw seven,
powder blue dragonflies with about a three inch wingspan lined up on the
edge of the step. They were all in a neat line, and angled about 45
degrees like a small fleet of bi-planes waiting for their turn to take
off. I wish I had owned a good camera with a macro lens, back then.
I've never seen anything like it, again.
Wouldn't it be great to have built in memory modules connected to our
eyes? See something and think CAPTURE IMMAGE!
Gerry :-)}
London, Canada

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"Gerald Miller" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:11:37 -0400, "Michael A. Terrell"
wrote:


technomaNge wrote:

Michael A. Terrell wrote:

Dragonflies are supposed to eat their weight in mosquitoes every
day. They are a lot cleaner than Ed & his bats, too. When I lived
further south in Florida, the Dragonflies did a great job on the
mosquitoes. When they had done their job, the birds would thin them
out.


Great! Now how do I build a Dragonfly house? :)


Dragonflies seem to nest near water. Its amazing the colors they
come in. I stepped out my front door about 12 years ago and saw seven,
powder blue dragonflies with about a three inch wingspan lined up on the
edge of the step. They were all in a neat line, and angled about 45
degrees like a small fleet of bi-planes waiting for their turn to take
off. I wish I had owned a good camera with a macro lens, back then.
I've never seen anything like it, again.
Wouldn't it be great to have built in memory modules connected to our
eyes? See something and think CAPTURE IMMAGE!
Gerry :-)}
London, Canada

Dragonflies lay their eggs in streams. Helglamites (evil looking things)
are baby dragonflies.

making large bug zapper for mosquitos
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
...


Dragonflies lay their eggs in streams. Helglamites (evil looking things)
are baby dragonflies.


i didn't know that! i had to look it up, found this...

http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg121.html

b.w.