reading through this thread again, Some suggested 12v motor solutions, some LED solutions but there was concern about the proper wavelength of light. I see some who tried solar power, can anyone give an update on their prototypes?
I have power at the pond and to keep things simple, was considering adding a traditional bug zapper. Theo G suggests ultraviolet is the best wavelength and that comes standard on the electric bug zappers. Newer models have a more open grate so that the insects don't collect in a holding chamber but can fall through the grate more easily by gravity. This 'self clean' feature is to my advantage if the bug zapper is suspended over water. I am proposing to mount it on a PVC pipe or galvanized pipe that I can rotate on a vertical mounting post out over the water or back over the bank to allow for cleaning of the unit. They are already UL tested for 'weather proof' and my circuit by the pond is GFI protected if there were any unforseen wiring concerns. My thought was to run the extension cord on the inside of the horizontal pipe that suspends it out over the water and sealing the exit hole at the end with silicone or the like.
The only difference in how this would work compared to a $250 bug light is that the bug lights designed for this application usually have a rotating line to knock live insects down into the water. That may add more effectiveness over the bug zapper that requires them to crawl inside to get zapped on contact.
Has anyone tried this off the shelf solution? They make a small, med and large version for .5 up to 1.5 acres.
It looks like the bulb is 40w and throws off enough light that it may serve as a fish attractant even if only a few insects end up there. I'd have to see the base of the unit in person but if I add holes in the base without detracting from structural integrity perhaps more of those falling insects would end up in the water by gravity.
Getting a little late in the season to give it a real test here in MI though...
bug zapper
