21 replies to this topic

[Mettcollsuss]

So recently I've been hearing a lot about blacklight traps, and I have a few questions. From what I can understand, you place a blacklight outside and queens are attracted to it. I'm thinking of trying it out soon.

1. What species/genera does this work best for?
2. What time of day/night does this work best for?
3. Are there types of surfaces to shine this on that work better? For example, sidewalk, a tree, et cetera. I know some people also use a sheet. Is there an advantage to this?
4. Any other tips/recommendations?

[CNewton]

The only luck I've ever had with black light traps was with Tetramorium, very early morning. A white sheet seems to be the best medium because it reflects the light and almost intensifies the strength and visibility of the UV. Sheets are also mobile and cheap and easy to see anything that lands on it.  

UV probably works well with Camponotus, or any other night-flying ant. I was late to the game last year, missed camponotus flights so I can't confirm this.

[Hunter]

if you want a trap and you like wood liking species i just put 1 box on-top of another box and the queens will fly into the gap, it works and cost 2$; but i have had no luck with black lights

[Jadeninja9]

if you want a trap and you like wood liking species i just put 1 box on-top of another box and the queens will fly into the gap, it works and cost 2$; but i have had no luck with black lights

The gap?

[Hunter]

 

if you want a trap and you like wood liking species i just put 1 box on-top of another box and the queens will fly into the gap, it works and cost 2$; but i have had no luck with black lights

The gap?

 

yea you have a box on a box and the gap between the 2

[Mettcollsuss]

if you want a trap and you like wood liking species i just put 1 box on-top of another box and the queens will fly into the gap, it works and cost 2$; but i have had no luck with black lights

I'm assuming you mean a cardboard box. Like this?

Edited by Mettcollsuss, February 15 2018 - 2:15 PM.

[Hunter]

Yes and the gaps they tend to fly into

[Jadeninja9]

I was about to post a sketch for a blacklight trap but then I realized queens would only be able to see the blacklight from one direction, so it's pretty much garbage.

[guproloksard]

 

 

if you want a trap and you like wood liking species i just put 1 box on-top of another box and the queens will fly into the gap, it works and cost 2$; but i have had no luck with black lights

The gap?

 

yea you have a box on a box and the gap between the 2

 

Excuse me, why would the queen want to fly into the gap? is there anything that attract the queen?

[Jadeninja9]

Excuse me, why would the queen want to fly into the gap? is there anything that attract the queen?

 

 

 

 

 

The wood-dwelling queen most likely is attracted to the gap as it probably looks like a good spot for starting a nest.

[nurbs]

You all are making this so much more complicated than it needs to be. There is no "trap".

 

The "trap" is that they are attracted to the blacklight on the white bedsheet. Once they fly onto the bedsheet, make sure it is a queen ant and not something else - because that light will also attract a host of other creepy crawlies - and use your grubby hands to gently put them in your collection container. 

[Jadeninja9]

You all are making this so much more complicated than it needs to be. There is no "trap".

 

The "trap" is that they are attracted to the blacklight on the white bedsheet. Once they fly onto the bedsheet, make sure it is a queen ant and not something else - because that light will also attract a host of other creepy crawlies - and use your grubby hands to gently put them in your collection container. 

Lol alright. I ordered a 6ww blacklight with a portable charger... is this powerful enough to attract queens? Also, could you just go into a forest and lay out the bedsheet on the ground with the blacklight ontop of the bedsheet?

[nurbs]

You all are making this so much more complicated than it needs to be. There is no "trap".
 
The "trap" is that they are attracted to the blacklight on the white bedsheet. Once they fly onto the bedsheet, make sure it is a queen ant and not something else - because that light will also attract a host of other creepy crawlies - and use your grubby hands to gently put them in your collection container.

Lol alright. I ordered a 6ww blacklight with a portable charger... is this powerful enough to attract queens? Also, could you just go into a forest and lay out the bedsheet on the ground with the blacklight ontop of the bedsheet?

Yes, but the larger and brighter the better. I use two 24” 15w tubes powered through the truck lighter via an inverter.

[dspdrew]

You only need a trap if it's going to be unattended. Otherwise, like Nurbs said, just get a black light and a white sheet and simply do your queen collecting while sitting on your butt.

 

I find that it's mostly small species that land on the light. I also find that some species, like Liometopum occidentale tend to land on the ground around the light, more than on the light itself.

[Hunter]

 

 

 

if you want a trap and you like wood liking species i just put 1 box on-top of another box and the queens will fly into the gap, it works and cost 2$; but i have had no luck with black lights

The gap?

 

yea you have a box on a box and the gap between the 2

 

Excuse me, why would the queen want to fly into the gap? is there anything that attract the queen?

 

queens like dark and tight wood like spot to start a colony

[Jadeninja9]

I’m exited to start blacklighting near the chaparral by my house to see what species are around me.

[T.C.]

When black lighting, I recommend laying a white sheet out on the ground under neath the light. The queens aren't accurate in their landing at all, and often miss the sheet and fall to the ground. If you have the white sheet down on the ground you'll likely see them there.

Edited by T.C., February 16 2018 - 10:27 AM.

[Jadeninja9]

When black lighting, I recommend laying a white sheet out on the ground under neath the light. The queens aren't accurate in their landing at all, and often miss the sheet and fall to the ground. If you have the white sheet down on the ground you'll likely see them there.

Yeah that's what i was thinking of doing.

I just realized the portable charger I thought I had isn't actually a portable charger lol. My mom says she has one but can't find. I was really hoping to go out tonight.

[nurbs]

Went blacklighting last night because it warmed up a tad - but still too cold and didn't find anything but moths.

 

Took some pics for you guys. Usually have two blacklights out, but only took out one this time.

 

 

 

 

 

[Toddsnake]

Here is the Black-Light Setup I use in my backyard.  I hadn't put my white towels under and around it yet when I took the pic.  There is Army Green Mosquito Netting draped over the patio chairs.  After dark there will be insects crawling all over it!  Found some "unknown at this time" queens and put them in test tube setups in my reptile room.  Have 3 with eggs now! 

Would like to take the setup out on the road with me in my truck, but unsure on how to power the Black-Light from my truck....any tips on how I do that?