GB2333021A

GB2333021A - Insect trap

Info

Publication number: GB2333021A
Application number: GB9800375A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Markwick
Original assignee: VENUS PATENTS Ltd
Current assignee: VENUS PATENTS Ltd
Priority date: 1998-01-08
Filing date: 1998-01-08
Publication date: 1999-07-14
Also published as: AU1977099A; GB9800375D0; WO1999034671A1

Abstract

An insect trap 1 comprises a rotatable attractor 35, treated with attractant and preferably lit from within for attracting insects to pitch thereon. The attractor rotates past a translucent screen 17 and traps an insect in a housing (3 figure 1a). Scraper 19 removes insects from the attractor and prevents escape also. Insect collection is disclosed. Various shapes and configurations of trap are illustrated.

Description

A Trap for Insects The present invention relates to a trap for insects.

Insects are trapped and killed in a variety of different, conventional methods.

One method is the use of sticky paper which is hung from a ceiling. The insects are attracted to the paper and, once they land on it, they become trapped and die. Such an arrangement is unsightly and is inconvenient since it has to be hung in mid-air from the ceiling.

Another conventional method is the use of poisonous aerosol sprays which are sprayed into the room to kill any insects in that room. These sprays are, however, harmful to the environment. In particular, if used in a kitchen, the spray must be sprayed away from food to avoid contamination. Further, such sprays leave an odour which is clearly undesirable to the occupiers of the room.

A further conventional method is use of an ultra-violet lamp which attracts the insects. This method is mainly to contain the insects in one area away from food etc. It is mainly used for industrial purposes such as restaurants etc. Due to the size and expense of such lamps, they are not convenient for domestic purposes. Furthermore, the power requirement for such a device is considerably high making it uneconomical.

The present invention seeks to provide a trap for insects which is attractive, humane, friendly to the environment, safe to use, suitable for domestic and industrial use and is economical to operate.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a trap for insects comprising a housing having an inlet; insect attracting means rotatably supported within the inlet of the housing, the insect attracting means being pretreated with a substance for attracting insects; scraper means for following the surface of the insect attracting means for removing insects from the insect attracting means and trapping the insects in the housing.

The trap of the present invention operates such that the insect attracting means rotates within the inlet of a housing. The insect attracting means is pretreated with a substance which attracts the insects. An insect lands onto the attracting means. As the insect attracting means continues to rotate, the insect becomes trapped in the housing.

This is achieved by forcing the insect off the surface of the insect attracting means by use of the scraper means so that the insect is contained within the housing. This trap forms an attractive device which humanely disposes of insects and which avoids the use of poisonous aerosol sprays.

Preferably, the housing further comprises an outlet and the trap further comprises a container fitted to the outlet of the housing and having means for attracting the insects out of the housing into the container for later disposal.

The insects are attracted to leave the housing via the outlet and are trapped within a container fitted to the outlet. The insects can then be disposed off be removal of the container without any direct contact.

Preferably, the insect attracting means is arranged such that as the insect attracting means rotates, the insects are trapped within the housing. This may be achieved by the geometry of the interior of the housing differing from the geometry of the surface of the insect attracting means. For example, the interior of the housing is curved and the insect attracting means is polygonal, for example rectangular, or alternatively, the insect attracting means comprises outwardly extending vanes to trap the insects.

Therefore, as the insect attracting means rotates, the insects are prevented from escaping the housing other than via the outlet, if present.

In.order to prevent the insect from leaving the insect attracting means before they are trapped within the housing, a portion of the housing adjacent the housing is translucent. This portion is preferably on one side of the inlet in the direction of rotation of the insect attracting means. Alternatively, the translucent may be located on both sides of the inlet or the whole of the housing may be translucent. The portion may be formed of clear or coloured glass/plastic.

In order to attract the trapped insects out of the housing and into the container, the container may be transparent so that the insects are attracted by the light The outlet may comprise means to prevent the insects re-entering the housing.

Therefore, the insects are trapped in the container for later disposal. The container may be disposable so that the container is merely thrown away with the trapped insects so as to avoid any contact with the insects. The container may contain means to kill the insects.

The insect attracting means may comprise a disposable cartridge which may be scented to attract a particular insect, for example flies, wasps or mosquitoes.

Alternatively, the insect attracting means may comprise a slotted casing in which a light source is supported. Such a trap can then be fixed to the wall or ceiling and used as a light fitting as well as an insect trap.

To provide a more compact device, the housing may be generally cylindrical and the axis of rotation of the insect attracting means being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. Alternatively, the insect attracting means may comprise a disc such that the housing is flattened so that the trap can conveniently be fixed to a wall.

To ensure that the scraper means follows the surface of the insect attracting means, the scraper means may be biased against the insect attracting means.

Preferably, the insect attracting means is rotated by means of any one or any combination of an electric motor; clockwork mechanism; quartz clock mechanism. The electric motor may be powered by any one or any combination of the following: solar energy; batteries; rechargeable batteries; and mains electricity.

The housing may be disposable.

In accordance with the present invention, there is also provided a disposable cartridge for an insect trap as described above, the cartridge having an outer surface which attracts insect and has means for rotatably mounting the cartridge in the inlet of the trap.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described and fully explained with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure la is a top perspective view of the insect trap according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure ib is a bottom perspective view of the insect trap of Figure la; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure la; Figures 3a-3c show the insect trap of the first embodiment, in use; Figure 4 is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure 5; Figure 7 is an exploded view of the disposable cartridge according to the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a cross section taken along the line A-A of the insect trap of Figure 8; Figure 10a is an exploded view of part of the insect trap of Figure 8; Figure 10b is a longitudinal section taken through the base unit of the insect trap of Figure 8; Figure 1 la is a part section of an insect trap according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 1 ib is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure 1 la; Figures 1 2a and 1 2b show the insect trap of Figure 11 a, in use; Figure 13a is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13b show the insect trap of Figure 13a, in use; Figure 14 is an exploded view of insect trap of Figure 13a; Figure 15 is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention with its lid closed; Figure 16 shows the insect trap of Figure 15 with its lid opened; Figure 17 is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure 15; Figure 18 shows an insect trap according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention Figure 19 shows the insect trap of Figure 18, in use; Figures 20a and 20b are exploded views of the insect trap of Figure 18; Figure 21 shows an insect trap according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 22a is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure 21; Figure 22b is a cross-section taken along the line B-B of the insect trap of Figure 21; Figure 22c is a longitudinal section through the base unit of the insect trap of Figure 21; Figure 23 is a perspective view of an insect trap according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24 shows the insect trap of Figure 23, in use; Figure 25 is an exploded view of the insect trap of Figure 23; and Figures 26a and 26b are plan and side views of an alternative arrangement of the insect trap of Figure 23.

The first embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures la to 3c.

The insect trap 1 of the first embodiment as shown in figures la, lb and 2 comprises a housing 3 which has a top portion 5 and rectangular base 7. The base 7 comprises a plurality of solar panels 9 and optional mounts 11 in the form of suckers at each corner of the base 7.

The top portion 5 comprises an outer casing 13 which has a curved surface. The outer casing 13 may be formed of any suitable material such as wood, plastic or glass (coloured or clear). The outer casing 13 has an inlet 15 extending partially across the width of the outer casing 13 and a translucent portion 17 adjacent to the front edge of the inlet 15. An inwardly directed scraper 19 is attached to the rear edge of the inlet 15 and extends along the length of the inlet 15. The scraper is bias inwardly by a pair of pressure springs 21 at each end of the scraper 19.

The top portion 5 further comprises an internal support structure 23 which comprises a rectangular base portion 25 and opposite and upwardly extending side walls 27. The side walls 27 being shaped to fit within the curved shape of the outer casing 13.

Each side wall 27 has a groove 29 which extends partially down each side wall 27. Each groove 29 supports either end of an insect attracting means 31. The insect attracting 31 comprises an elongate portion 35 which has a square cross-section and a circular disc 37 at each end thereof. A projection 33 extends outwardly from the centre of each disc 37 and the projection is freely supported within each groove 29. The surface of the elongate portion 35 is pretreated with a substance which attracts the insects. The insect attracting means may comprise a disposable cartridge as shown in Figure 7, in which the surfaces of the cartridge have been impregnated with a scent which attracts a particular insect, for example flies, wasps or mosquitoes depending on the required use of the trap.

The insect attracting means 31 is rotated by means of an electric motor 35 which may be powered by the solar panels 9 or by batteries or rechargeable batteries 41 or may be powered by mains electricity. The insect attracting means 31 is driven by engagement of one of the discs with a directly driven cog 42 so as to rotate the elongate portion 35 of the insect attracting means 31 within the inlet 15. The scraper 19 is biased to follow the surface of the insect attracting means 31 as it rotates. A disposable bag 43 is placed on the base 25 at the rear of the internal support structure 23 within the outer casing 13. The disposable bag has an inlet 45.

In use, the insect trap of the first embodiment may be wall-mounted by means of the suckers 11, as shown in Figure 3a, or may be placed on a work-top in a domestic or industrial kitchen, as shown in Figure 3b or alternatively, the trap may be mounted by means of the suckers 11 onto a window, as shown in figure 3c, so that the solar panels 9 within the base 7 of the insect trap 1 may be utilized.

The insect trap 1 is powered so that the insect attracting means (cartridge) 3 1 rotates by means of the motor 39 within the inlet 15 of the outer casing 13. The cartridge 31 rotates in an anticlockwise direction at approximately one rotation every 45 seconds.

The insect is attracted to land on the rotating cartridge 31. The insect remains on the cartridge 31 even as it rotates within the inlet 15 due to the translucent portion 17 which permits some light to enter the housing which helps to prevent the insect from flying away before it enters the rear of the housing 3. As the cartridge 31 rotates within the housing 3, the insects are prevented from leaving the rear of the housing by the difference in the geometry of the cartridge surface and the inner surface of the translucent portion 17 and the outer casing 13. As the cartridge rotates, the corners of the cartridge 31 are to the curved inner surface of the translucent portion 17 and outer casing 13 such that the insect can not escape the housing 3 via the inlet 15 once it enters the housing 3. The scraper 19 removes the insect from the cartridge 31 so that it drops into the housing 3 and hence into the disposable bag 43 via the inlet 45. The insects collected in the disposable bag can then be disposed of by removing the disposal bag 43 and replacing it with a new, empty bag.

The disposal bag 43 and the cartridge 31 are replaced merely by lifting the outer casing 13 which is fitted to the base 7 by means of a quick release mechanism such as snap-fitted.

The second embodiment of the present invention is shown in figure 4. This trap comprises a pair of insect traps 101 which correspond to the trap described above with reference to figures la, ib and 2. The pair of traps 101 are placed side by side within a single housing 103. Each insect trap 101 comprises an inlet 115 and translucent portion 117 as described with reference to the first embodiment. Pretreated insect attracting means 131 is rotatably mounted within each inlet 115 of each trap 101 and a scraper 119 is provided at the rear of each inlet 115. Each trap 101 is separately driven by its own electric motor (not shown).

The principal of the insect trap is the same to that as described with reference to the first embodiment. In providing a pair of traps 101, the number of insects that can be trapped is increased, making the unit more suitable for industrial purposes.

A third embodiment of the insect trap of the present invention will now be described with reference to figures 5 and 6. The insect trap 201 of the third embodiment comprises a housing 203 which has a generally cylindrical top portion 205 mounted in an upright position on a base portion 207. The top portion 205 comprises an outer casing 213. The outer casing 213 has an inlet 215 which extends partially along the length of the outer casing 213 parallel to the longitudinal axis x-x of the top portion 205. The outer casing 213 also has a flattened portion 214 opposite the inlet 215 which may be used as a pressed name plate. The outer casing 213 is formed of a translucent material such as coloured glass and the flattened portion 214 is opaque and may be formed of metal.

Insect attracting means 231 is mounted coaxially within the top portion 205.

The insect attracting means corresponds to that described with reference to the first embodiment above. The projection 233 which extends from the lower end of the insect attracting means 231 is mounted with a corresponding hole 229 in the centre of the base portion 207.

A scraper 219 is mounted on the base portion 207 to extend upwardly along the length of the inlet 215 and is bias against the surface of the insect attracting means 231.

The base portion 207 comprises a base cover 208 mounted on a base 225. A motor unit 239 is attached to the base 225 within the base cover 208. The motor unit 239 comprises a spindle driver 234 which engages the projection 233 of the insect attracting means 231 and hence directly drives the insect attracting means 23 1 to rotate it within the inlet 215.

A container 243 having an inlet 245 is mounted on top of the top portion 205.

The inlet 245 extends partially into the container 243 and is shaped such that the mouth of the inlet 245 becomes narrow as it extends into the container 243. The container 243 is formed of blow-moulded plastic and is transparent.

The operation of the trap 201 is similar to that described with reference to the first embodiment. The insect attracting means 231 slowly rotates within the inlet 215 of the outer casing 213 so that, when an insect lands on the insect attracting means 231, the insect becomes trapped within the housing 203. The container 243 is transparent so that the insects are attracted to leave the housing and enter the container via the inlet 245. The narrowing of the inlet 245 ensures that the insect cannot re-enter the housing 203 and the container can be removed and disposed of and a new container replaced when required.

The disposable cartridge for attracting the insects used in the first to third embodiments is shown in figure 7. It comprises a pair of discs 37 having a projection 33 extending outwardly from the centre of each disc. On the inner surface of each disc, there is provided an upwardly extending flange 47. The flange 47 forms a square or alternatively any polygonal shape. A card 49 is wrapped around the flanges 47 to form an elongate portion 35 between each disc 37. The card 49 is impregnated with a scent which attracts a particular type insect; for example flies, wasps or mosquitoes. The cartridge can then be disposed of and replaced with a fresh cartridge as required within the trap of the present invention.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 8 to 10b.

The insect trap 301 comprises a base unit 307 on which an elongate top portion 305 is vertically mounted. A transparent container 343 is mounted on top of the top portion 305. The top portion 305 has an outlet 351 which corresponds with an inlet 345 in the container 343. The top portion 305 and the container 343 form the disposable element of the trap 301. The top portion 305 comprises an outer cardboard casing 313 having a generally square cross-section. An inlet 315 extends partially along the length of one of the side walls of the outer casing 313 parallel to the longitudinal axis x-x of the top portion 305. A translucent portion 317 is located adjacent to the inlet 315.

Insect attracting means 331 is placed coaxially within the outer casing 3 13 so that it rotates within the inlet 315. The insect attracting means 331 comprises an elongate portion 335 which has a pentagonal cross-section as shown in figure 9 and is pretreated with a substance to attract the insects. The translucent portion 317 has an inner surface which is curved so that the geometry of the surface of the insect attracting means 331 differs from the internal geometry of the entry into the housing 303 so that as the insect attracting means rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, the insects cannot exit the housing due to the close proximity of the corners of the insect attracting means 33 1 to the inner surface of the translucent element 313. Projections 333 extend from each end of the insect attracting means for rotatably supporting the insect attracting means 331 within the inlet 315 of the housing 303.

The trap 301 further comprises a scraper 319 which is formed to extend inwardly from the inner surface of another side wall of the outer casing 313 so to follow the surface of the insect attracting means 331.

The outer casing 313 is opaque so that the insect trapped within the housing 313 is attracted towards the outlet 351 of the outer casing 313 to enter the transparent container 343 via the inlet 345.

The base unit 307 contains a motor unit 339 which directly drives the insect attracting means 331. The motor may be battery driven and the base unit 307 houses the batteries required.

The trap 301 operates in a similar way to that described above with reference to the first, second and third embodiment. However, in this embodiment the top portion 305 and the container 343 formed an integral unit and are disposable. These are replaced on top of the existing base unit 307 as required.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 la to Figure 12b.

The trap 401 comprises a generally cylindrical housing 403 having a base 407 and a main body portion 405 mounted on the base 407. The trap 401 also comprises a container 443 mounted to the other end of the main body portion 405. The base 407 houses the motor unit 439 which causes rotation of insect attracting means 431 within the main body portion 405.

The main body portion 405 comprises an outer casing 413 having an inlet 415.

The inlet 415 extends partially along the length of the outer casing 413 parallel to the longitudinal axis x-x of the housing 403. A translucent portion 417 is located along one edge of the inlet 415.

Insect attracting means 431 is mounted so as to rotate within the inlet 415 of the outer casing 413. The insect attracting means 431 comprises a disposable cartridge, the surface of which is pretreated with a substance which attracts the insects. The cartridge has a square cross-section and has at least one elongate slot 453 in each side wall of the cartridge and an ultra-violet light source 455 mounted within the cartridge.

In use, ultra-violet light shines through the slots 453 and also heats the cartridge so that the substance is heated and evaporates to give out a scent to attract the insects to land on the cartridge 431 and as it rotates, the insects become trapped within the housing 403. Due to the transparency of the container 443, the insects are attracted towards it out of the housing 405.

The trap 401 can be wall mounted by means of a bracket 402 as shown in Figure 12a or can be ceiling mounted by adaptation the base 407 as shown in figure 12b to form a light fitting as well as a trap.

A sixth embodiment will now be described in more detail with reference to figures 13ato 14.

The trap 501 comprises a housing 503 which has a base unit 507 and a generally cylindrical top portion 505 mounted thereon. The base unit 507 houses the motor unit 539 which can be battery powered or the like.

The top portion 505 comprises an outer casing 513 having an inlet 515. The inlet extends partially along the length of the outer casing 513 parallel to the longitudinal axis x-x of the housing 503. A transparent portion 517 extends along an edge of the inlet 515.

Insect attracting means 531 having a square cross-section is mounted coaxially within the outer casing 513 so as to be rotatably driven by the motor unit 539 within the inlet 515. The insect attracting means 531 is pretreated so that its outer surface is coated with a substance which attracts insects. The trap 501 further comprises scraper 519 which extends inwardly from the inner surface of the outer casing 513 so as to follow the surface of the insect attracting means 531. The trap further comprises a disposable transparent container 543 which is attached to one side of the outer casing 513 opposite to the inlet 515 and extends along the length of the outer casing 513. The container 543 has a plurality of inlets 545 which correspond with outlets 551 of the housing 503.

As described with reference to the embodiments above, the insects land on the insect attracting means 531 via the inlet 515 and as the insect attracting means 531 rotates within the outer housing 513, the insects become trapped at the rear of the housing due to the scraper 519. The insects are attracted by the light from the transparent container 543 and exit the housing. The insects can then be disposed of by removing the container 543 as required. In use, the trap may be wall mounted as shown as Figure 13b.

In accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 15 to 17, the trap 601 is adapted to be fitted on the dashboard or on the back shelf of a vehicle. The trap 601 is similar to that described with reference to the first embodiment except that the disposable bag 643 is accessed by opening a lid 644 formed in the front portion of the outer casing 613. The bag 643 and the lid 644 is transparent so that the insects are attracted toward the bag 643. A solar panel 609 may be used to power the motor to rotate pretreatedinsect attracting means 631 within the inlet 615.

The solar panel 609 is fitted on top of the outer casing 613.

The eighth embodiment will now be described wit; reference to Figures 18 to 20b.

The trap 701 comprises a base 707 which has retractable pins 757 extending therefrom so that the base 707 can be plugged into a mains socket as shown in Figure 19. The base 707 has a motor unit 739 which is powered via the mains. A transparent mesh bag 743 extends from the base unit 707. The base further comprises a lid 759 which in its closed position packs the meshed bag into a sealed unit and in its open position the meshed bag extends from the base. The base unit has an outlet 761.

During use an outer casing 713 is mounted onto the base 707. The outer casing 713 is cylindrical and has an inlet 715 and a transparent portion 717. It also comprises an inwardly extending scraper (not shown). Pretreated insect attracting means having a square cross section is inserted into the outer casing 713 and driven by the motor 739 as described with reference to the embodiments above.

This unit is suitable for travelling purposes and the lid 759 can be placed in its closed position for storing the transparent mesh bag attached to the base unit 707 and, in use, of the lid 759 can be opened to allow the transparent mesh bag 743 to extend from the base 707.

A ninth embodiment according the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 21 to 22c.

The trap 801 comprises a cylindrical outer casing 813 which is closed at one end. The outer casing has an inlet 815 which extends along the length the outer casing 813 parallel to the longitudinal axis x-x of the trap 801. The outer casing 813 has a transparent portion 817 located adjacent to an edge of the inlet 815. Insect attracting means 831 is mounted coaxially within the outer casing 813. The open end of the outer casing 813 is mounted onto a base unit 807. The insect attracting means 831 is mounted on to the base unit 807 via a pair of grooves 865 within the base of the insect attracting means which engages a pair of upwardly extending projections 863. The surface of the insect attracting means 831 is pretreated so that it is coated with a substance which attracts insects. The base houses a clockwork mechanism 839 which has a winding key 867 for driving the insect attracting means. A scraper 819 follows the surface of the insect attracting means to prevent insects escaping the trap. The trap 801 further comprises a hook 840 which extends from the closed end of the outer casing 813 so that the trap 801 can be hung from a ceiling or within the entrance of a tent. The insects are trapped within the outer casing 813 and are released at intervals to empty the trap.

The disposal cartridge described with reference to figure 7 can be utilized in any one of the above mentioned embodiments.

A tenth embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 23 to 26b.

The trap 901 comprises a housing 903 having a top portion 905 and a base unit 907. The top portion 905 comprises a generally circular outer casing 913 having an inlet 915 formed of a radial segment of the outer casing 913 and a translucent portion 917 formed on one side of the inlet 915. The base unit 907 has a motor unit 939 which may be battery driven. A turntable 969 is mounted onto the motor unit 939. Insect attracting means 931 is mounted onto the turntable 969 so that as the motor 939 rotates the turntable, the insect attracting means 931 rotates therewith. The insect attracting means 931 comprises a circular disc, which is impregnated with a substance which attracts insects, having a plurality of upwardly extending vanes 971 which prevent the insects from leaving the housing as the insect attracting means 931 rotates. The upwardly extending vanes 971 are flexible so that as it rotates within the outer casing 913, the vanes are folded down as they come in contact with a scraper 919 which extends downwardly from the outer casing 913 and hence prevents the insects from leaving the housing via the inlet 915. A disposable bag 943 is mounted within the base unit 907. The bag 943 has an inlet 945 on the outside edge so that the insects can leave the housing and enter the container 943 and be disposed of as required. Alternatively, the container 943 can extend outwardly from the housing as shown in figures 26a and 26b.

In the light of this disclosure, modifications of the described embodiments as well as other embodiments, all within the scope of the appended claims will now become apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A trap for insects comprising a housing having an inlet; insect attracting means rotatably supported within the inlet of the housing, the insect attracting means being pretreated with a substance for attracting insects; scraper means for following the surface of the insect attracting means for removing insects from the insect attracting means and trapping the insects in the housing.
2. A trap according to claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises an outlet and the trap further comprises a container fitted to the outlet of the housing and having means for attracting the insects out of the housing into the container for later disposal.
3. A trap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insect attracting means is arranged such that as the insect attracting means rotates, the insects are trapped within the housing.
4. A trap according to claim 3, wherein the geometry of the interior of the housing differs from the geometry of the surface of the insect attracting means.
5. A trap according to claim 3, wherein the interior of the housing is curved and the insect attracting means is polygonal.
6. A trap according to claim 3, wherein the insect attracting means comprises outwardly extending vanes to trap the insects.
7. A trap according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of the housing adjacent the inlet is translucent.
8. A trap according to any one of the claims 2 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the container is translucent.
9. A trap according to any one of the claims 2 to 8, wherein the outlet comprises means for preventing the insects re-entering the housing.
10. A trap according to any one of the claims 2 to 9, wherein the container is disposable.
11. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insect attracting means is disposable.
12. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substance for attracting insects is a scent.
13. A trap according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the insect attracting means comprises a slotted casing in which is supported a light source.
14. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is generally cylindrical and the axis of rotation of the insect attracting means is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing.
15. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insect attracting means comprises a disc.
16. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the scraper means is biased against the insect attracting means.
17. A trap according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein the insect attracting means is rotated by means of any one or any combination of the following: an electric motor; clockwork mechanism; quartz clock mechanism.
18. A trap according to claim 17, wherein the electric motor is powered by any one or any combination of the following: solar energy; batteries; rechargeable batteries; and mains electricity.
19. A trap according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing is disposable.
20. A disposable cartridge for an insect trap according to any one of the preceding claims, the cartridge having an outer surface which is pretreated with a substance for attracting insects and has means for rotatably mounting the cartridge in the inlet of the trap.
21. A trap for insects substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.
22. A disposable cartridge for an insect trap substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.