| abstract |
Methods of trapping pests and traps therefor, wherein a surface, accessible to pests, is changed, preferably at predetermined time intervals, from a pest-supporting to a pest-dislodging condition, whereby pests on the surface are dislodged into a trapping zone for retention therein. The changes can be effected mechanically, but in the embodiment of a cockroach trap, the surface comprises a pair of inclined, insulating panels (2) with parallel conductors (3) which are pulsed electrically at, preferably, 10-30 second intervals with 300-400 volts DC, sufficient to dislodge pests from the surface on to a sticky insert (5) in a removable tray (4). The voltages are applied to the conductors (3) for not longer than 1 second, pulsing being effected by a multi-vibrator which, with associated circuitry, is contained in an upper portion (7) of a removable cover (8). A suitable pheromone attractant can be used, in a bung or phial (9) between the surfaces, as a lure. |