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.

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
--

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

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.

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

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

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

"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.

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

"Spehro Pefhany" wrote in message
news
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.

"
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

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

"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

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!

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

" 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!

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.

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?

"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

"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.

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

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 ---

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!

"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

* 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

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!

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!

"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

On Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:18:27 -0400, Wes wrote:
"Ed Huntress" wrote:

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

Ah. Thanks, Ed, that explains a lot.grin! I lived in Sarasota for
most of a five year stretch, and I recall the locals as being slow,
fat, and prone to =sploosh= (messily) when swatted with a towel.
They also seem to _buzz_ rather than whine, unlike our native
Viriginia species.

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,

For the sake of mammals everywhere I sincerely hope that what you
saw were non-blood-sucking Crane Flies ("mosquito hawks") and not
mosquitoes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crane_fly
http://www.a-mosquito.com/mosquito-hawk.php


Frank McKenney
--
I have come to believe, not in fate, but in forks in the road,
choices we make with no knowledge of the outcome. You step off
the curb in one direction, you get run over. You step off in the
other direction and and you meet someone who changes your life.
-- Baxter Black / Hey, Cowgirl, Need a Ride?
--
Frank McKenney, McKenney Associates
Richmond, Virginia / (804) 320-4887
Munged E-mail: frank uscore mckenney ayut mined spring dawt cahm (y'all)

"Wes" wrote in message
...
"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

It could be they're a non-biting relative that we call "Jersey Skeeters."
They look just like a real mosquito except that they're about 1-1/2 or even
2 inches across the legs, when they've landed on a wall.

The first time someone from out-of-state sees one their eyes open as big as
saucers. If those things drank blood, one bite could throw you into shock.

--
Ed Huntress

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.

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!

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

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