WO2013132230A1

WO2013132230A1 - Insect disablement device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2013132230A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/050482
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Greening; Neil Mcgowan; Zaphod LEIGH
Original assignee: Killgerm Group Limited
Priority date: 2012-03-08
Filing date: 2013-02-27
Publication date: 2013-09-12
Also published as: GB201204116D0

Abstract

An insect disablement device (10) comprises an insect disablement housing (20) adapted to disable an insect, an electromagnetic radiation source (32) for attracting the insect which is mounted to the insect disablement housing and which is capable of pulsed emission of electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of pulse frequencies and a controller (50) mounted to the insect disablement housing which is connected to the electromagnetic radiation source. During use of the device, the controller enables the electromagnetic radiation source to pulse at a first pulse frequency for a first period of use and pulse at a second pulse frequency for a second period of use.

Description

INSECT DISABLEMENT DEVICE AND METHOD

The present invention relates to a device and method for disabling insects using pulsed electromagnetic radiation.

Insects are capable of spreading bacteria and dirt and in most circumstances are regarded as pests. Many of these insects are flying insects such as flies. The population of flying insects needs to be controlled particularly in locations where hygiene is paramount such as hospitals, restaurants and other places where food is being prepared or people are being medically treated.

It is known to provide a source of pulsed electromagnetic radiation to attract insects (especially flying insects) into a location at which they are disabled (eg captured and/or killed). In order to disable the insect, an electrical current may be used to kill it or a sticky surface may be used to capture it.

For example, WO2006/056729 discloses an insect disablement device comprising one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are adapted to emit pulsed electromagnetic radiation. However the device disclosed in WO2006/056729 only emits pulsed electromagnetic radiation at a single pre-selected pulse frequency.

The present invention seeks to improve the attraction of insects by the use of

electromagnetic radiation pulsed at a plurality of frequencies. Moreover, the present invention recognises that the use of certain pulse frequencies is more attractive to certain insect species than other pulse frequencies.

Thus viewed from one aspect the present invention provides an insect disablement device comprising:

an insect disablement housing adapted to disable an insect;

an electromagnetic radiation source for attracting the insect which is mounted to the insect disablement housing and which is capable of pulsed emission of electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of pulse frequencies; and a controller mounted to the insect disablement housing which is connected to the electromagnetic radiation source;

wherein during use of the device, the controller enables the

electromagnetic radiation source to pulse at a first pulse frequency for a first period of use and pulse at a second pulse frequency for a second period of use.

The present invention exploits the fact that different species of insect or sexes of a species of insect may be attracted to different pulse frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. In addition, the present invention exploits the fact that an insect may be attracted to more than one pulse frequency of electromagnetic radiation. For example the results in Table 1 below show that house flies (Musca domestica) are attracted to the pulse frequencies 65Hz and 170Hz. A further example shown in Table 2 below is that lesser house flies (Fannia canicularis) are attracted to the pulse frequency 115Hz. A further example shown in Table 3 below is that fruit flies (Drosophilia melanogaster) are attracted to the pulse frequency 65Hz.

The electromagnetic radiation emitted at a plurality of pulse frequencies by the

electromagnetic radiation source of the present invention may advantageously attract a plurality of insect species. For example, the electromagnetic radiation source may pulse at a first pulse frequency of about 65Hz to attract house flies and fruit flies and pulse at a second pulse frequency of about 115Hz to attract lesser house flies. As can be seen from this example, the second pulse frequency is different from the first pulse frequency so that the first pulse frequency attracts house flies and fruit flies and the second pulse frequency attracts lesser house flies. The electromagnetic radiation emitted at a plurality of pulse frequencies by the electromagnetic radiation source of the present invention may advantageously attract both the male and female insect of an insect species.

The electromagnetic radiation source may be set by the controller to a first pulse frequency or second pulse frequency which attracts the insect species which is most common in a particular location. The controller may set the electromagnetic radiation source to emit electromagnetic radiation simultaneously or sequentially at a plurality of pulse frequencies which attract a range of insects. The first pulse frequency may attract a first insect species and the second pulse frequency may attract a second insect species.

The insect disabled by the insect disablement device may be a flying insect. The insect may include one or more insect species. The insect may be a male insect, a female insect or both male and female insects. The insect species may be of the order diptera. The insect species may comprise one or more of a fly, wasp, midge or mosquito. The fly species may include one or more of a house fly, lesser house fly, bluebottle, stable fly, bott fly, clegg fly, fruit fly or blow fly. Preferably the fly species is a house fly, lesser house fly or fruit fly.

The insect disablement device may comprise a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources. The insect disablement device may comprise two electromagnetic radiation sources. A first electromagnetic radiation source may emit pulsed electromagnetic radiation (i.e. electromagnetic radiation of periodically varying intensity) and a second electromagnetic radiation source may emit continuous electromagnetic radiation (i.e.

electromagnetic radiation emitted at a substantially continuous intensity). A plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources may emit pulsed electromagnetic radiation and a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources may emit continuous electromagnetic radiation.

The or each electromagnetic radiation source may comprise an incandescent bulb. The or each electromagnetic radiation source may comprise an arc lamp. The or each

electromagnetic radiation source may comprise a mercury vapour lamp. The or each electromagnetic radiation source may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The or each electromagnetic radiation source may comprise a fluorescent tube. Each electromagnetic radiation source may be selected from the group consisting of an incandescent bulb, an arc lamp, a mercury vapour lamp, one or more LEDs or a fluorescent tube.

The or each electromagnetic radiation source may emit ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation (eg. the electromagnetic radiation source may emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength less than 400nm). The or each electromagnetic radiation source may emit electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in the range 340nm to 570nm, preferably in the range 340nm to 500nm, more preferably in the range 340nm to 380nm. A portion of the electromagnetic radiation may be in the ultraviolet region. A portion of the electromagnetic radiation may be in the visible blue region. A portion of the electromagnetic radiation may be in the visible green region. The ultraviolet, visible blue or visible green regions may be more attractive to individual insect species. The electromagnetic radiation source may emit electromagnetic radiation having a peak wavelength in the range 340nm to 570nm, preferably in the range 340nm to 500nm, more preferably in the range 340nm to 380nm.

The majority of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the electromagnetic radiation source may have a wavelength in the range 340nm to 570nm, preferably in the range 340nm to 500nm, more preferably in the range 340nm to 380nm.

The first pulse frequency may be in the range lHz to 500Hz, preferably in the range 60Hz to 500Hz, more preferably in the range 60Hz to 270Hz. The first pulse frequency may be in the range IHz to 100Hz, 100Hz to 200Hz, 200Hz to 300Hz, 300Hz to 400Hz or 400Hz to 500Hz.

The first pulse frequency may be in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, 110Hz to 120Hz, 165Hz to 172Hz, 225Hz to 235Hz or 490Hz to 51 OHz. Preferably the first pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz. Preferably the first pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, 110Hz to 120Hz or 165Hz to 172Hz. The first pulse frequency may be about 65Hz, about 115Hz, about 170Hz, about 23 OHz or about 500Hz. Preferably the first pulse frequency is about 65Hz, about 115Hz or about 170Hz. The second pulse frequency may be in the range 1 Hz to 500Hz, preferably in the range 60Hz to 500Hz, more preferably in the range 60Hz to 270Hz. The second pulse frequency may be in the range lHz to 100Hz, 100Hz to 200Hz, 200Hz to 300Hz, 300Hz to 400Hz or 400Hz to 500Hz.

The second pulse frequency may be in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, 1 lOHz to 120Hz, 165Hz to 172Hz, 225Hz to 235Hz or 490Hz to 51 OHz. Preferably the second pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, 1 lOHz to 120Hz or 165Hz to 172Hz. Preferably the second pulse frequency is in the range 165Hz to 172Hz. The second pulse frequency may be about 65Hz, about 115Hz, about 170Hz, about 230Hz or about 500Hz. Preferably the second pulse frequency is about 65Hz, about 1 15Hz or about 170Hz.

A flicker fusion frequency is the frequency above which a pulsing electromagnetic radiation source will appear as a continuous electromagnetic radiation source to the eye of a viewer. The flicker fusion frequency for a human eye is about 60Hz. It may be advantageous to use a pulse frequency of 60Hz or higher so that the pulsing is not perceivable by a human eye and is therefore less irritating.

The flicker fusion frequency for a house fly is about 270Hz. It may be advantageous to use a pulse frequency lower than 270Hz if it is desired to attract house flies. The results of tests shown in Table 1 of the description indicate that the pulse frequencies 65Hz and 170Hz may be attractive to house flies and are therefore preferred. The results of tests shown in Table 2 of the description indicate that the pulse frequency 115Hz may be attractive to lesser house flies and is therefore preferred. The results of tests shown in Table 3 of the description indicate that the pulse frequency 65Hz may be attractive to fruit flies and is therefore preferred.

Preferably the first pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, 1 lOHz to 120Hz or 165Hz to 172Hz and the second pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, 1 lOHz to 120Hz or 165Hz to 172Hz. More preferably the first pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz or 11 OHz to 120Hz and the second pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz or 110Hz to 120Hz. First and second pulse frequencies selected from these ranges can target house flies and fruit flies in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, lesser house flies in the range 1 10Hz to 120Hz and house flies in the range 165Hz to 172Hz.

Preferably the insect is a house fly and the first pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz.

Preferably the insect is a lesser house fly and the first pulse frequency is in the range HOHz to 120Hz. Preferably the first pulse frequency attracts a first insect species and the second pulse frequency attracts a second insect species.

Preferably the first insect species is a house fly or fruit fly and the first pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz and the second insect species is a lesser house fly and the second pulse frequency is in the range 11 OHz to 120Hz.

A fluorescent tube may operate at a pulse frequency of above 10kHz by being connected to an electronic ballast. A pulse frequency of above 10kHz is above the flicker fusion frequency of any eye so electromagnetic radiation pulsing at above 10kHz will be perceived as continuous electromagnetic radiation and considered as continuous electromagnetic radiation in this specification (i.e. electromagnetic radiation emitted at a substantially continuous intensity).

During a pulse cycle, the electromagnetic radiation source will emit electromagnetic radiation at a peak intensity for a proportion of the cycle time. The proportion of the pulse cycle time during which electromagnetic radiation is emitted at peak intensity may be known as the duty cycle. For example a duty cycle of 10% indicates that the

electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source is emitted at peak intensity for 10% of the pulse cycle time. The electromagnetic radiation source may emit electromagnetic radiation at a peak intensity from 0.01% to 50% of the cycle time, preferably from 0.01% to 20% of the cycle time, more preferably from 0.01% to 10% of the cycle time, especially preferably from 0.01% to 5% of the cycle time. The proportion of time in a pulse cycle that the electromagnetic radiation source emits at peak intensity may be at least 1%. The proportion of time in a pulse cycle that the electromagnetic radiation source emits at peak intensity may be up to 50%, up to 20% or up to 10%. Preferably the proportion of time in a pulse cycle that the electromagnetic radiation source emits at peak intensity is from 1% to 50%.

During the first period of use, a first duty cycle may be in the range from 0.01% to 50%, preferably from 0.01% to 20%, more preferably from 0.01% to 10%, especially preferably from 0.01% to 5%.

During the second period of use, a second duty cycle may be in the range from 0.01% to 50%, preferably from 0.01% to 20%, more preferably from 0.01% to 10%, especially preferably from 0.01% to 5%.

A different duty cycle for different pulse frequencies may be set by the controller. A duty cycle greater than 50% may be disadvantageous because it may reduce the perception of the pulse in a viewer's eye due to retention of the image in the eye. The effect of image retention in the eye may increase at higher pulse frequencies. Therefore a lower duty cycle may be set for a higher pulse frequency.

The controller may have a plurality of settings corresponding to the plurality of pulse frequencies. The plurality of pulse frequencies comprise the first pulse frequency and the second pulse frequency. The controller may allow a user to select the first and second pulse frequencies. The controller may comprise a selector. The controller may comprise a first selector to select the first pulse frequency and a second selector to select the second pulse frequency.

The controller may allow the duration of the first period of use and the duration of the second period of use to be selected. The first period of use and the second period of use may be of the same duration or of different durations. The duration of the first period of use may be more than 1 hour, 1 hour or less, 30 minutes or less, 15 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 2 minutes or less or 1 minute or less. The duration of the second period of use may be more than 1 hour, 1 hour or less, 30 minutes or less, 15 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 2 minutes or less or 1 minute or less.

The first period of use and the second period of use may be consecutive or sequential. The first period of use and the second period of use may overlap. The electromagnetic radiation source may comprise a first portion which pulses at the first pulse frequency and a second portion which pulses at the second pulse frequency. The first portion may pulse at the first pulse frequency and the second portion may pulse at the second pulse frequency sequentially or simultaneously.

The controller may be a manual controller. The controller may be adjusted by hand or by remote control. The controller may be an automatic controller.

The controller may cycle through the plurality of pulse frequencies. The plurality of pulse frequencies comprise the first pulse frequency and the second pulse frequency. The change from the first pulse frequency to the second pulse frequency may be made automatically by the controller.

The controller may change the pulse frequency after a period of 1 hour or less, 30 minutes or less, 15 minutes or less, 10 minutes or less, 5 minutes or less, 2 minutes or less or 1 minute or less.

The controller may control one or more of the first pulse frequency, first period of use, first duty cycle, first peak intensity, second pulse frequency, second period of use, second duty cycle and second peak intensity. The controller may comprise a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be programmed to control one or more of the first pulse frequency, first period of use, first duty cycle, first peak intensity, second pulse frequency, second period of use, second duty cycle and second peak intensity.

The controller may be used to control the peak intensity of the or each electromagnetic radiation source. This may advantageously save energy. For example, the controller may be set to dim the output intensity from the electromagnetic radiation source at night or when the insect disablement device is placed in a location with less ambient light. The controller may dim the output intensity by 10%, 25% or 50%.

The controller may be set to turn off the pulsing electromagnetic radiation source for a predetermined period of time. For example the pulsing electromagnetic radiation source may be turned off for 25% or 50% of the time when the device is in use. For example the pulsing electromagnetic radiation source may be on for 1 hour then off for 1 hour during use.

The controller may be used to increase the intensity of the output from the electromagnetic radiation source for a set period. The output intensity from the electromagnetic radiation source may be increased by 10%, 25% or 50%. This feature may be useful when the insect disablement device is first installed in a location to attract the higher numbers of insects which may be initially present in location. After the set period the output of the electromagnetic radiation source would be returned to normal to attract the lower number of insects present on an ongoing basis in the location. The set period may be 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours.

The controller may have a summer and winter mode. The output intensity from the electromagnetic radiation source may be increased by 10%, 25% or 50% when in summer mode to attract the higher numbers of insects present in summer.

The electromagnetic radiation emitted by an LED is typically focussed in a narrow beam. This narrow beam may be advantageous if the insect disablement device of the present W

-10- invention is to attract insects over long distances. Alternatively, it may be advantageous to diffuse the narrow beam to cover a wider area. It may also be required to reduce the intensity of a narrow beam to meet electromagnetic radiation emission safety standards such as European Standard EN 60 335-2-59.

The insect disablement device may further comprise a diffuser. The diffuser may be located proximate to the electromagnetic radiation source to reduce the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in a certain direction and spread the electromagnetic radiation over a wider area. The diffuser may be mounted on the electromagnetic radiation source.

The diffuser may comprise a diffusing portion which is at least partially transparent to ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation. The diffusing portion may comprise a glass. The diffusing portion may comprise an acrylic. If the diffusing portion comprises a glass, the diffuser may further comprise a shatterproof coating. This is advantageous if the insect disabling device is to be used in a location where the presence of glass is undesirable such as a food preparation location. The shatterproof coating may comprise a fluoropolymer, for example fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin (PFA). The insect disablement device may further comprise a reflector to direct the

electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source in a certain direction. The reflector may direct the electromagnetic radiation away from the insect disablement housing to reduce the heat built up in the housing during operation. The reflector may be mounted on the electromagnetic radiation source or on the insect disablement housing behind the electromagnetic radiation source.

The insect disablement housing may be adapted to catch and/or kill the insect. The insect disablement housing may further comprise an insect disablement member. The insect disablement member may catch and/or kill the insect. The insect disablement member may be an electrifiable surface such as a grille, mesh or grating which is connectable to an electrical power source to electrocute the insect. The insect disablement member may comprise an adhesive surface to catch the insect. The adhesive surface may be replaceable. The insect disablement housing may have a front portion and a rear portion which is connected to the front portion. The front portion may have a front face. The rear portion may have a rear face.

The front face of the insect disablement housing may define one or more apertures which allow insects to enter the insect disablement housing and be disabled by the insect disablement member. The insect disablement member may be mounted to the rear portion of the insect disablement housing.

The insect disablement device may be wall mountable. The insect disablement housing may comprise a mounting point. The mounting point may be located on the rear face of the insect disablement housing to allow it to be mounted on a wall. The mounting point may enable the insect disablement device to be suspended from a ceiling by a suspending member. The insect disablement device may be free standing. The insect disablement device may be supportable by a stand.

The controller may be mounted to the rear portion of the insect disablement housing. The or each electromagnetic radiation source may be mounted on the rear portion of the insect disablement housing. The one or more apertures in the front face may be located to allow electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source to exit the insect disablement housing.

The insect disablement housing may further comprise a power supply socket which is connectable to a power supply to provide power to the controller and the electromagnetic radiation source.

Viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides method of disabling an insect comprising the steps of:

exposing the insect to pulsed electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source which pulses at a first pulse frequency for a first period of use and pulses at a second pulse frequency for a second period of use; attracting the insect to a disabling location associated with the electromagnetic radiation source; and

disabling the insect at the disabling location. The method of the present invention is advantageous if it is desired to attract an insect species or sex or a plurality of insect species or sexes which are attracted to the first pulse frequency and the second pulse frequency.

The method of the present invention may incorporate any of the general or specific features described herein with reference to the insect disablement device of the present invention or any of its components.

The method may further comprise using an insect disablement device as described herein. Viewed from a yet further aspect the present invention provides a method of disabling a house fly comprising the steps of:

exposing the house fly to pulsed electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source which pulses at a frequency from 60Hz to 70Hz;

attracting the house fly to a disabling location associated with the electromagnetic radiation source; and

disabling the house fly at the disabling location.

A pulse frequency of 60Hz to 70Hz is unexpectedly attractive to house flies. The method of the present invention may incorporate any of the general or specific features described herein with reference to the insect disablement device of the present invention or any of its components.

The method may further comprise using an insect disablement device as described herein.

The electromagnetic radiation source may pulse at a frequency of about 65Hz. Viewed from an even yet further aspect the present invention provides a method of disabling a house fly comprising the steps of:

exposing the house fly to pulsed electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source which pulses at a frequency from 165Hz to 172Hz;

disabling the house fly at the disabling location.

A pulse frequency of 165Hz to 172Hz is unexpectedly attractive to house flies.

The method of the present invention may incorporate any of the general or specific features described herein with reference to the insect disablement device of the present invention or any of its components. The method may further comprise using an insect disablement device as described herein.

The electromagnetic radiation source may pulse at a frequency of about 170Hz.

Viewed from a still further aspect the present invention provides a method of disabling a lesser house fly comprising the steps of:

exposing the lesser house fly to pulsed electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source which pulses at a frequency from 1 10Hz to 120Hz;

attracting the lesser house fly to a disabling location associated with the electromagnetic radiation source; and

disabling the lesser house fly at the disabling location.

A pulse frequency of 1 10Hz to 120Hz is unexpectedly attractive to lesser house flies.

The method of the present invention may incorporate any of the general or specific features described herein with reference to the insect disablement device of the present invention or any of its components. W

-14-

The electromagnetic radiation source may pulse at a frequency of about 115 Hz. Viewed from an even still further aspect the present invention provides a method of disabling a fruit fly comprising the steps of:

exposing the fruit fly to pulsed electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source which pulses at a frequency from 60Hz to 70Hz;

attracting the fruit fly to a disabling location associated with the electromagnetic radiation source; and

disabling the fruit fly at the disabling location.

A pulse frequency of 60Hz to 70Hz is unexpectedly attractive to fruit flies. The method of the present invention may incorporate any of the general or specific features described herein with reference to the insect disablement device of the present invention or any of its components.

The electromagnetic radiation source may pulse at a frequency of about 65Hz.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 show an insect disablement device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the insect disablement device of Figure 1 ; and Figure 3 shows the insect disablement device of Figure 1 with the front portion open from the rear portion.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the insect disablement device 10 comprises an insect disablement housing 20. The insect disablement housing 20 has a front portion 21 and a rear portion 23 which is connected to the front portion 21. The front portion 21 has a front face 22 and the rear portion 23 has a rear face 24.

An electromagnetic radiation source 30 for attracting insects is mounted to the rear portion 23 of the insect disablement housing 20. The electromagnetic radiation source 30 comprises a pulsing electromagnetic radiation source in the form of LEDs 32 and a continuous electromagnetic radiation source in the form of fluorescent tubes 34, 36.

The fluorescent tubes 34, 36 are connected to a high frequency electronic ballast (not shown) which operates at 25kHz so the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fluorescent tubes 34, 36 is considered as continuous (i.e. emitted at a substantially continuous intensity). Reflectors 38 are fitted to the fluorescent tubes 34, 36 to direct electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fluorescent tubes 34, 36 out through apertures 25 in the front face 22 of the insect disablement housing 20. The fluorescent tubes 34, 36 electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength suitable for attracting insects.

The LEDs 32 emit ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength of 375nm. The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the LEDs 32 exits the insect disablement housing 20 through an aperture 25.

An insect disabling member 40 in the form of a replaceable adhesive sheet is mounted to the rear portion 23 of the insect disablement housing 20. Insects attracted by the electromagnetic radiation source 30 are caught and killed when they contact the insect disabling member 40. As shown in Figure 3 the front portion 21 may be opened from the rear portion 23 to allow the LEDs 32, fluorescent tubes 34, 36 or insect disabling member 40 to be removed and replaced.

The insect disablement device 10 is wall mountable by a mounting point 70 located on the rear face 24 of the insect disablement housing 20.

A controller 50 is mounted to the rear portion 23 of the insect disablement housing 20. The controller 50 is connected to the LEDs 32 and a power supply socket 60. The fluorescent tubes 34, 36 and high frequency electronic ballast are also connected to the power supply socket 60. A power supply (not shown) is connected to the power supply socket 60 to provide power to the controller 50, the LEDs 32 and the fluorescent tubes 34, 36.

The controller 50 comprises a microprocessor (not shown) which can control the intensity of the emission from the LEDs 32 in a number of ways. The controller 50 can control the LEDs 32 to emit pulsed electromagnetic radiation. The controller 50 can decrease or increase by 25% the intensity of the peak emission from the LEDs for a pre-determined duration.

A selector 52 on the controller 50 allows a first pulse frequency and a second pulse frequency to be selected for the LEDs 32. The first and second pulse frequencies are selected from 65Hz, 115Hz, 170Hz, 230Hz and 500Hz.

The controller 50 allows the duration of a first period of use at the first pulse frequency to be set and the duration of a second period of use at the second pulse frequency to be set. The durations of the first and second period of use may be different and are selected from 1 hour, 30 minutes, 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 2 minutes or 1 minute.

The controller 50 allows a first duty cycle for the first period of use and a second duty cycle for the second period of use to be set. The first and second duty cycles may be different and are selected from 50%, 20%, 10% or 5%. When the insect disablement device 10 is in use, the controller may be set to control the LEDs 32 to sequentially pulse at the first pulse frequency with the first duty cycle for the first period of use, then pulse at the second pulse frequency with the second duty cycle for the second period of use and then return to the first pulse frequency and repeat the sequence. Alternatively the controller may be set to control a first portion of the LEDs 32 to pulse at the first frequency and a second portion of the LEDs 32 to pulse at the second pulse frequency simultaneously. During use of the insect disablement device, insects attracted by the electromagnetic radiation source 30 are caught and killed when they contact the insect disabling member 40. 1. Results of Tests of Electromagnetic Radiation Pulse Frequency on House Fly (Musca Domestica) attraction

The attractive effect of different electromagnetic radiation pulse frequencies on house flies (Musca Domestica) was tested in controlled environment.

A series of tests were performed in a test room with an insect disablement device 10 as shown in Figures 1 to 3 (labelled as Pulsing LEDs in Table 1). The LEDs 32 of the insect disablement device 10 emitted pulsed electromagnetic radiation at pulse frequencies of 65Hz, 115Hz, 170Hz, 230Hz and 500Hz.

A second insect disablement device 10 (labelled as Control in Table 1) which emitted non- pulsing electromagnetic radiation was used as a control unit. Both insect disablement devices 10 were fitted with electronic high frequency ballasts to ensure no pulsing light was emitted by the fluorescent lamps.

Both insect disablement devices 10 were placed in a 3m x 2m fly test room on opposite walls at a height of approximately 1.8m from the floor. The temperature of the room was maintained at 27 to 28°C and the windows and door were covered to prevent any external light source entering the room. Unsexed and uncounted house flies reared from squats 3 to 4 days old were released into the test room from the centre of the room. Typical numbers released were between 300 to 500 flies and the number of flies caught by each insect disablement device 10 was counted after 3 hours and 21 hours. After the test any live flies still in the room, dead flies on the floor and any escapees were not accounted for. The insect disablement device 10 positions were swapped after each test and three replicate tests were performed. The results are shown in Table 1. House TEST 1 TEST 2 TEST 3 Flies Flies caught Flies caught Flies caught

65Hz 3 Hrs 21Hrs 3 Hrs 21Hrs 3 Hrs 21Hrs

Control 84 139 116 150 76 93

Pulsing 93 209 117 157 126 162 LEDs

115Hz 3 Hrs 21Hrs 3 Hrs 21Hrs 3 Hrs 21Hrs

Control 104 122 194 240 153 175

Pulsing 90 119 159 188 175 215 LEDs

170Hz 3 Hrs 21Hrs 3 Hrs 21Hrs 3 Hrs 21Hrs

Control 175 221 159 230 46 111

Pulsing 206 242 187 267 65 143 LEDs

230Hz 3 Hrs 21Hrs 3 Hrs 21Hrs 3 Hrs 21Hrs

Control 123 146 104 148 84 128

Pulsing 89 135 74 104 81 124 LEDs

500Hz 3 Hrs 21Hrs 3 Hrs 21Hrs 3 Hrs 21Hrs

Control 83 134 71 120 123 168

Pulsing 61 138 53 84 89 179 LEDs

Table 1 - House Fly Test Results

The results shown in Table 1 indicate that house flies are more attracted to a pulse frequency of 65Hz or 170Hz because more flies were caught in the pulsing LEDs trap than the control trap. In contrast, at frequencies of 115Hz, 230Hz and 500Hz the catch in the control trap was greater.

With the frequency at 65Hz, 21.7% more flies were caught after 3 hours and 38% more flies were caught after 21 hours. With the frequency at 170Hz, 16% more flies were caught after 3 hours and 20.5% more flies were caught after 21 hours.

2. Results of Tests of Electromagnetic Radiation Pulse Frequency on Lesser House Flies (Fannia canicularis)

The attractive effect of different electromagnetic radiation pulse frequencies on lesser house flies (Fannia canicularis) was tested in a controlled environment.

A series of tests were performed in a test room with an insect disablement device 10 as shown in Figures 1 to 3 (labelled as Pulsed LEDs in Table 2). The LEDs 32 of the insect disablement device 10 emitted pulsed electromagnetic radiation at pulse frequencies of 65Hz, 115Hz, and 170Hz. A second insect disablement device 10 (labelled as Control in Table 2) which emitted non-pulsing electromagnetic radiation was used as a control unit. Both insect disablement devices 10 were fitted with electronic high frequency ballasts to ensure no pulsing light was emitted by the fluorescent lamps.

Both insect disablement devices 10 were placed in a 5. lm x 2.4m fly test room on opposite walls at a height of approximately 1.85m from the floor. The temperature of the room was maintained at 26 to 27°C and the windows and door were covered to prevent any external light source entering the room. Diffuse, even lighting was provided by 12 white fluorescent strip lights mounted above translucent panels. 3 to 5 days old unsexed flies reared from maggots were separated and counted. 100 flies were released into the test room from the centre of the room. The number of flies caught by each insect disablement device 10 was counted after 3 hours.

After the test any live flies still in the room, dead flies on the floor and any escapees were not accounted for. The insect disablement device 10 positions were swapped after each test and four replicate tests were performed. The results for lesser house flies (Fannia canicularis) are shown in Table 2.

Table 2 - Lesser Housefly Results

The results shown in Table 2 indicate that lesser house flies are more attracted to a pulse frequency of 1 15Hz because more flies were caught in the pulsing LEDs trap than the control trap. On average 45.6% more flies were caught after 3 hours when pulsing at 115Hz.

3. Results of Tests of Electromagnetic Radiation Pulse Frequency on Fruit Flies (Drosophilia melanogaster) The attractive effect of different electromagnetic radiation pulse frequencies on Fruit Flies (Drosophilia melanogaster) was tested in a controlled environment.

A series of tests were performed in a test room with an insect disablement device 10 as shown in Figures 1 to 3 (labelled as Pulsed LEDs in Table 3). The LEDs 32 of the insect disablement device 10 emitted pulsed electromagnetic radiation at pulse frequencies of 65Hz, 170Hz and 230Hz. A second insect disablement device 10 (labelled as Control in Table 3) which emitted non-pulsing electromagnetic radiation was used as a control unit. Both insect disablement devices 10 were fitted with electronic high frequency ballasts to ensure no pulsing light was emitted by the fluorescent lamps.

Both insect disablement devices 10 were placed in a 5.1m x 2.4m fly test room on opposite walls at a height of approximately 1.85m from the floor. The temperature of the room was maintained at 26 to 27°C and the windows and door were covered to prevent any external light source entering the room. Diffuse, even lighting was provided by 12 white fluorescent strip lights mounted above translucent panels. 3 to 5 days old unsexed flies reared from maggots were separated and counted. 100 flies were released into the test room from the centre of the room. The number of flies caught by each insect disablement device 10 was counted after 3 hours.

After the test any live flies still in the room, dead flies on the floor and any escapees were not accounted for. The insect disablement device 10 positions were swapped after each test and four replicate tests were performed. The results for Fruit Flies {Drosophilia melanogaster) are shown in Table 3.

Table 3 - Fruit Fly Results The results shown in Table 3 indicate that fruit flies are more attracted to a pulse frequency of 65Hz because more flies were caught in the pulsing LEDs trap than the control trap. On average 18.5% more flies were caught after 3 hours when pulsing at 65Hz.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An insect disablement device comprising:

an insect disablement housing adapted to disable an insect;

an electromagnetic radiation source for attracting the insect which is mounted to the insect disablement housing and which is capable of pulsed emission of electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of pulse frequencies; and

a controller mounted to the insect disablement housing which is connected to the electromagnetic radiation source;

wherein during use of the device, the controller enables the

2. An insect disablement device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the insect is a flying insect.

3. An insect disablement device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the first pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, 1 lOHz to 120Hz, 165Hz to 172Hz, 225Hz to 235Hz or 490Hz to 51 OHz.

4. An insect disablement device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the second pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, 1 lOHz to 120Hz, 165Hz to 172Hz, 225Hz to 235Hz or 490Hz to 51 OHz.

5. An insect disablement device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the first pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, 1 lOHz to 120Hz or 165Hz to 172Hz and the second pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz, 1 lOHz to 120Hz or 165Hz to 172Hz.

6. An insect disablement device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the insect is a house fly nusca domestica) and the first pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz.

7. An insect disablement device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the insect is a lesser house fly (fannia canicularis) and the first pulse frequency is in the range 1 lOHz to 120Hz.

8. An insect disablement device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the first pulse frequency attracts a first insect species and the second pulse frequency attracts a second insect species.

9. An insect disablement device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first insect species is a house fly or fruit fly and the first pulse frequency is in the range 60Hz to 70Hz and the second insect species is a lesser house fly and the second pulse frequency is in the range l lOHz to 120Hz.

10. An insect disablement device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the proportion of time in a pulse cycle that the electromagnetic radiation source emits at peak intensity is from 0.01% to 20%.

11. An insect disablement device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the proportion of time in a pulse cycle that the electromagnetic radiation source emits at peak intensity is from 1% to 50%.

12. An insect disablement device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source has a peak wavelength in the range 340nm to 570nm.

13. An insect disablement device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the electromagnetic radiation source comprises a light emitting diode.

14. An insect disablement device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a second electromagnetic radiation source which emits electromagnetic radiation at a substantially continuous intensity.

15. An insect disablement device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a diffuser located proximate to the electromagnetic radiation source to diffuse the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source.

16. A method of disabling an insect comprising the steps of:

exposing the insect to pulsed electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source which pulses at a first pulse frequency for a first period of use and pulses at a second pulse frequency for a second period of use;

attracting the insect to a disabling location associated with the electromagnetic radiation source; and

disabling the insect at the disabling location.

17. A method of disabling a house fly (musca domestica) comprising the steps of:

disabling the house fly at the disabling location.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the electromagnetic radiation source pulses at a frequency of about 65Hz.

19. A method of disabling a house fly {musca domestica) comprising the steps of:

disabling the house fly at the disabling location.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the electromagnetic radiation source pulses at a frequency of about 170Hz.

21. A method of disabling a lesser house fly {Fannia canicularis) comprising the steps of:

exposing the lesser house fly to pulsed electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source which pulses at a frequency from 1 lOHz to 120Hz;

disabling the lesser house fly at the disabling location.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the electromagnetic radiation source pulses at a frequency of about 115Hz.

23. A method of disabling a fruit fly (Drosophilia melanogaster) comprising the steps of:

disabling the fruit fly at the disabling location.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23 wherein the electromagnetic radiation source pulses at a frequency of about 65Hz.

25. A method as claimed in any of claims 16 to 24 comprising using an insect disablement device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15 to provide the electromagnetic radiation source and the disabling location.

26. An insect disablement device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.