Insect Attracting Lights

[willy]

If I put some UV lights out in the front section of the aviary to attract insects will they be able to get through the 6mm mesh? possibly the ones that can't fit through will be too big for the finches to handle anyway. Would prefer to do this rather than have traps where I have to empty out the bag in the morning. After reading as many posts on here as I can 6mm mesh is the only way to go. Have only ever used 12.5mm stuff in the past. Was thinking of having a panel of 12.5mm mesh up the top along the front for the insects to get through. Thoughts?

[iaos]

Tintola had a good design that used perspex around a larger mesh to keep it vermin proof, but I can't find the post at the moment.

Cheers Ian

[arthur]

I have used 'black-light'(?) fluoro tubes and normal tubes in large aviaries with 6mm mesh with reasonable results

Obviously larger insects will be excluded, but as you say finches and smaller softbills will not be disadvantaged

And 6mm mesh IS the only way to go

[Tintola]

Quote, Was thinking of having a panel of 12.5mm mesh up the top along the front for the insects to get through. Thoughts? End quote.

Unfortunately mice can climb So here is my solution to the problem. About a year old now and not a single mouse has entered.

Here it is 12.5 X 12.5 mm wire mesh surrounded by clear perspex to keep vermin out and let larger bugs/moths in. The rest of the aviary is 6mm mesh.

[willy]

See, that is why asking questions on the AFF is the go!! That is exactly what I will do. Thankyou Tintola.

[iaos]

Tintola, do you leave it running 24/7 or is it on a timer or light sensor?

Do you have to clean it regularly from larger moths etc that don't get through the 12 mm mesh?

Cheers
Ian

[Tintola]

Hi Ian. It is on a timer from dusk to dawn along with another aviary on the same timer. Larger moths or other bugs sometimes stay on the outside and I sometimes catch them in the morning and give them to the curlews, kingfishers or other large softbills in other aviaries.

[Tintola]

See, that is why asking questions on the AFF is the go!! That is exactly what I will do. Thankyou Tintola.

You are welcome, hope it works as well for you.

[iaos]

Cheers

[SamDavis]

Quote, Was thinking of having a panel of 12.5mm mesh up the top along the front for the insects to get through. Thoughts? End quote.

Unfortunately mice can climb So here is my solution to the problem. About a year old now and not a single mouse has entered.

Here it is 12.5 X 12.5 mm wire mesh surrounded by clear perspex to keep vermin out and let larger bugs/moths in. The rest of the aviary is 6mm mesh.

Great idea. Tint - would you mind posting some larger pictures. What type of light fitting? is it a single bulb or some type of fluorescent tube. I'm thinking of adding a 2 foot long fluoro black light in my large planted aviary (if my electrician mate ever shows to hook up the power).