OVITRAP AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING VECTOR BORN DISEASE

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an ovitrap and a method of controlling mosquito populations. The ovitrap includes a container, a cover, and a dividing mechanism for dividing the container into two regions, which in use are filled with water, and which communicate via an opening such that a first volume below the dividing mechanism defines a larvae trapping region, and a second volume above the dividing mechanism defines an egg receiving region A light source having a cool, white spectra with two peaks is mounted above the container and positioned to direct light downwards at a water surface, such that the larvae move in a direction away from the light source, from the second volume into the first volume below the dividing mechanism via the opening. A gating mechanism is operatively linked to the light source for opening and closing the opening.

Claims

1-32. (canceled)

33. An ovitrap comprising: a container, a cover, and a dividing mechanism for dividing the container into two regions, which in use are filled with water, and which communicate via an opening such that a first volume below the dividing mechanism defines a larvae trapping region, and a second volume above the dividing mechanism defines an egg receiving region, a light source having a cool, white spectra, with two peaks, a first peak at 450 nm-470 nm, and a second peak at 500 nm-700 nm, the light source mounted above the container and positioned to direct light downwards at a water surface, such that when the light source is turned on to create a photo stimulus, the larvae respond by moving in a direction away from the light source, from the second volume into the first volume below the dividing mechanism via the opening, and a gating mechanism operatively linked to the light source which opens and closes the opening when the light source is respectively turned on and off, such that the larvae are trapped in the first volume.

34. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, wherein the dividing mechanism is a funnel comprising a mouth and a stem with the opening (26), said funnel being positioned inside the container.

35. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, wherein the light source generates at least 5 lux.

36. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, wherein the light of the light source has a colour temperature greater than 5000K.

37. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, wherein the gating mechanism comprises a plug member which is operatively moved between a closed position, where the plug member is in a downward position closing the opening, and an open position, where the plug member is in a raised position, opening the opening.

38. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 37, wherein the plug member is carried on a rod.

39. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 37, wherein the gating mechanism is operated by a solenoid.

40. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, wherein the gating mechanism and light source are controlled by at least one of a clock and a light sensor.

41. An ovitrap as claimed in 33, further comprising a microprocessor and a battery.

42. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 34, wherein the container comprises a mechanism for locating and retaining the funnel in position in the container and the funnel has a rim which facilitates location and retention.

43. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, wherein the container comprises a mechanism for locating the cover, and the cover has a lower portion that is shaped to facilitate location and retention.

44. An ovitrap as claimed claim 38, wherein the funnel and the plug member preclude light from passing there through.

45. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 34, wherein the funnel has a reflective inner surface and a roughened upper surface about a rim disposed on the funnel.

46. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, wherein a surface of the cover assists a female mosquito to position herself for optimal egg laying.

47. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of LED lights and is mounted directly above the water surface.

48. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 47, wherein the light source is mounted on a cross member on the cover.

49. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 39, wherein the gating mechanism is positioned such that the solenoid is mounted on the cover, and is seated in a cover void together with electronics, and the rod is axially aligned with a stem of the dividing mechanism such that the plug member can be moved, on operation, between open and closed positions.

50. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 49, wherein the cover comprises side walls (42), with openings, which project upwardly away from a lower portion, a cross member which supports the light source, and a top portion which contains the void.

51. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 50, wherein the top portion extends outwardly beyond the walls of the container.

52. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 50, wherein the top portion has a sloped outer surface.

53. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, which is connected to a water tank with a mechanism ensuring an appropriate water level in the ovitrap is maintained.

54. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 53, wherein the water tank comprises a receptacle with an outlet, a lid, and a hose, and further comprises one or more of adjustable legs, a water conditioning cage, and a water inlet valve.

55. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, which in use is filled with water and may comprise one or more of a female mosquito attractant, insect growth regulator, insecticide or other biological control.

56. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 55, wherein the insect growth regulator is Periproxifen, Methoprene or Diflubenzuron.

57. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 55, wherein the biological control is Beauveria bassiana, or Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis.

58. An ovitrap as claimed in claim 55, wherein the attractant is a water conditioning agent or mosquito eggs.

59. A kit comprising an ovitrap as claimed in claim 33, together with a water tank, water conditioning agent, mosquito eggs or larvae, replacement lights or a DNA testing kit for identifying at least one of mosquito species larvae and disease carrying mosquitoes in the field.

60. A method of controlling mosquito populations, comprising: using a light source having a cool, white spectra, with two peaks, a first peak at 450 nm-470 nm, and a second peak at 500 nm-700 nm to create a photo stimulus, causing mosquito larvae to move from a first location, where gravid mosquitoes have deposited their eggs, in a direction away from the light, to a second location, where they are trapped and killed.

61. A method as claimed in claim 60, wherein the light source generates at least 5 lux.

62. A method as claimed in claim 60, wherein the light source has a colour temperature greater than 5000K.

63. A method of disease control comprising the method as claimed in claim 60.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of an assembled ovitrap, showing the different parts of the trap;

[0072] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a funnel component;

[0073] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a container component;

[0074] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a cover component;

[0075] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a light array;

[0076] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a gating mechanism;

[0077] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the ovitrap with the gating mechanism in an openlights on position;

[0078] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the ovitrap with the closure component in an closedlights off position;

[0079] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C illustrate the assembled ovitrap of the invention in use;

[0080] FIG. 9A shows recently hatched larvae in a water filled ovitrap lights off;

[0081] FIG. 9B shows larvae moving in response to the light stimulus lights on;

[0082] FIG. 9C shows larvae in a water filled trap lights off;

[0083] FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of ovitrap with a solar cell;

[0084] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electronics for the ovitrap of FIG. 10;

[0085] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating light with a colour temperature in the range 5000K-10000K;

[0086] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a cool white spectrum, with two peaks, a first peak at about 450 nm-470 nm and a second peak at about 500 nm-700 nm contrasted to a warm white light;

[0087] FIG. 14 is an ancillary water tank, for use with an ovitrap of the invention, with its lid removed;

[0088] FIG. 15 is an illustration of the water tank of FIG. 14 connected to an ovitrap; and

[0089] FIG. 16 is a cross section view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] The Figs illustrate an ovitrap (10) according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0091] In the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrated, the ovitrap comprises five primary structural components, (illustrated separately in FIGS. 2-6) a container (12), a cover (14), a funnel (16), a gating mechanism (18) and a light source (20).

[0092] The funnel (16) comprising a wide mouth (22) and a narrow stem (24) with an opening (26) at the bottom of the stem, which funnel is seated in the container (12), which in use is filled with water, such that its' stem (24) is positioned such that its' opening (26) is located towards the base (28) of the container (12). The funnel (16) has a rim (30) with locating apertures (not shown) allowing the funnel to be retained by lugs (32), on stops (34) which project inwardly from the inner wall (36) of the container (12).

[0093] Cover (14) (See FIG. 4) comprises a lower portion (38) which is shaped and sized to sit on the rim (30) of the funnel (16) snugly within the upper confines (40) of the container (12). The cover comprises side walls (42), with openings (44), which project upwardly away from the lower portion (38), a cross member (46) which supports the light source (20), and a top portion (48) which contains a void (50) and is shaped to house the gating mechanism (18), and electronics (52) as broadly illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 11. The top portion is also shaped to allow water to run off its outer surface (54) and has a portion (56) which extends peripherally beyond the container (12) boundaries. This provides an attractive environment for the gravid female mosquitoes and helps limit evaporation of water from the trap.

[0094] Mounted in the void (50) within the top portion (48) is the gating mechanism (18) which comprises a shaped plug member (58) which engages the funnel (16) where it narrows to the stem (24). The plug member sits at the end of a rod (60) which can be moved up and down from its normal closed position (62) (FIG. 8), where it is in a downward position closing the opening (26) in the stem (24), to an open position (64) (FIG. 7), where it is in a raised upward position, opening the opening (26) in the stem (24).The rod is operated by the action of a solenoid (66) which is controlled by a solenoid driver (68) operated by a microprocessor (70) powered by a battery (72) or other power source. The solenoid driver (68) is synchronised with a light (LED) driver (74) so that the mechanism is open when the lights (20) are turned on and closed when the lights (20) are turned off

[0095] The turning on and off is controlled by a clock (76) and / or light sensor (78). The ovitrap also has a temperature sensor (80) and humidity sensor (82) for data gathering facilitating effective remote management.

[0096] In the FIG. 10 embodiment the trap is provided with a solar panel (84) which links with a charger (86) to the battery (72) and a power convertor (88) although the trap can also be mains operated via a mains adaptor (90) if desired.

[0097] Turning to FIG. 9a-c the following describes the devices method of operation. An ovitrap is first assembled, filled with water, preferably distilled or conditioned water (aged). To this may be added organic attractants (including mosquito eggs), insect growth regulators, pheromones or the like and the gating mechanism checked to ensure it will operate as desired.

[0098] FIG. 9a shows an ovitrap after eggs have hatched. Before this however, a gravid mosquito will have been attracted to the trap, which is filled with water (shaded) and which may contain additional attractants to just below the container surface (92). Gravid mosquitoes enter the ovitrap via openings (44), land on the surface (39) of the lower cover (38) and deposit their eggs on the meniscus of a volume of water (darker hatching) above (Va), and above the funnel (16) which volume defines an egg (101) receiving region. In this state the lights (20), which are directed downwardly towards the water surface (92), are turned off, and the plug (58) of the mechanism (18) closes the funnel opening (26) separating, and preventing communication between, the volume of water above (Va) and a volume of water below (Vb) (lighter hatching).

[0099] In order to kill the larvae (102), they are herded from the volume above to the volume below, where they are trapped. To facilitate this movement and trapping the light (20) and gating mechanism (18) operate such that the gating mechanism is opened when the lights (20) are turned on (FIG. 9b). In response to the light stimulus, preferably a light stimulus which emits an intense light, the larvae of, particularly, Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus, swim away from the light, through the opening (26) into the volume below (Vb). The light need only be triggered for a short period, programmed anywhere up to 300 seconds, which is a sufficient duration for the larvae to move from Va to Vb, whereupon the light is switched off and the plug closed (as FIG. 9c). The trapped larvae (102) swim upwards, are trapped in the volume below (Vb), and eventually die from oxygen starvation (suffocation). Their brief presence however, stimulates other gravid females to deposit eggs, and the process of turning the lights and gating mechanism on and off ensures substantially that all future larvae are trapped and suffocated, thus providing effective mosquito and disease control.

[0100] Lights may be triggered daily, every few days or weekly depending on the requirement.

[0101] As the trap allows larvae to survive for some period within the trap, but not emerge as an adult, it has the added effect of making the trap more effective over time since larvae that survive in the trap release pheromones that are detected by gravid females looking for suitable locations for egg laying. The more larvae present in the trap, the more likely nearby flying gravid females will detect it and lay eggs, as it shows that the water source is viable for its offspring.

[0102] The intense light preferably generates at least 5 lux, more preferably at least 100 lux, and more preferably still at least 200 lux. Most preferred is a light that generates between 270 and 310 lux, typically about 290 lux.

[0103] Most preferred is a lighting which emits light with a colour temperature of greater than 5000K, more preferably still, a colour temperature in the range 5000K-10000K as illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0104] Preferably the light has a cool white spectrum, with two peaks, a first peak at about 450 nm-470 nm and a second peak at about 500 nm-700 nm as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0105] The preferred lighting comprises a LED light source.

[0106] The funnel (16) or container (12) may be impregnated with an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), e.g. periproxifen or methoprene and/or pheromones or other attractants that will leech out into the water body at a controlled rate over time. The leeching of such additives will be internal to the trap.

[0107] FIG. 14 illustrates a water tank (200), with it's lid removed. It comprises a receptacle (202) with a plurality of height adjustable legs (204). The receptacle has a cage structure (206) for retaining a conditioning agent, such as hay, an outlet (208) and baffles (210) in the surrounding vicinity to reduce debris accumulating about the outlet.

[0108] As is more clearly seen in FIGS. 15 the water tank (200) is fitted with a lid (212), and a hose (214) feeds the ovitrap (10). In detail, and as shown in cross section, FIG. 16, the receptacle (202) may be filled or connected to a water supply via an inlet (216) which, as illustrated, comprises a multi diameter hose attachment. The supply may be a mains supply or e.g. a separate feed, such as a water butt. A hose (214) takes a volume of water (Vc) from the water tank to the ovitrap (10), and flow is controlled by a valve mechanism (218), comprising e.g. a valve body (220), float arm (222) and float (224). The hose may comprise multiple sections (214a; 214b) connected about a connector (226) provided on the ovitrap.