How long do my lamps last? And how often should I change them?

Lamps will last approximately one year. The level of insect attraction continues to reduce over a 12 month period. Even though they are operational for longer, the level of UV-A would have reduced resulting in the fly catch level being minimized. All UV-A lamps are not designed to attract flying insects. Lamps need to be changed a minimum of once a year and should be changed prior to the peak flying season.

What is the difference between Standard lamps and Sleeved Lamps?

Sleeved lamps should be used in areas where contamination of glass is not allowed. E.g.: Food preparation areas. The lamp sleeve helps to prevent it from accidental shattering and spreading of glass.

How often do glue boards need replacing?

Glue Boards will need to be changed once the surface is covered with flies and loses its ability to retain any more insects. Dead insects attract other insects therefore ensure large capacity insect traps glue boards are used.

The frequency of change would vary depending upon the level of activity and influx of flying insects. It is good practice to change glue boards once a month. Monitoring the type and number insects regularly will help compliance with HACCP and give time related data when corrective action needs to be taken.

What is the difference between a High Voltage Zapper and Glue Board Catcher?

The main difference between the two types of unit is that the High Voltage Zapper uses a High Voltage Grid to kill flying insects instantly. The insects that touch the grids will then drop down dead into a ‘Catch Tray’ which will then need to be emptied on a regular basis to prevent air borne bacterial contamination. 

High Voltage traps are not able to kill small flying insects as they fly through the grids and should not be used in food preparation areas as “Zapping” of insects will cause them to fragment and result in food contamination.

The different types of Glue board units are used to retain small and large insects intact for insect identification and comply with HACCP requirements.

Can a trap be placed in food preparations areas?

In food preparation areas, we recommend a Glue Board type of insect trap, fitted with Sleeved tubes. Traps should not be positioned directly above food preparation areas.

High Voltage units should not be placed in food preparation areas. The main reason for this is that as a result of research and legislation in some countries it has been found that insect debris can travel outside the area of the High Voltage Zapper and could lead to food contamination.

Is all UV-A Lamps good for insect attraction?

The lamps supplied are specifically designed to attract flying insects at 353 nm. All UV-A are not designed to attract insects.

Can UV lamps affect humans?

A letter dated April 2, 1993 from the senior scientist of Sylvania Lighting Co., Salem, Mass., reports that tests have shown that emissions from black lights in ILT’s (Insect Light Traps) are well below threshold limit values (TLVs) of the American Conference of Governmental Hygienists. The TLVs are used nationally and internationally.

The black light lamp appears to have no characteristics that indicated likely hazards to human health either short or long term. All traps supplied by Brandenburg are tested and certified to meet International safety standards with regard to UV emissions and electrical safety.

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us for details.

Where should I position my fly trap?

Light traps should always be positioned away from any natural sources of light. Lots of factors can influence the position you choose. Please contact Brandenburg for further information.

Why am I not catching any flies?

Check the following:
  1. Does your trap have power?
    Check the power supply is switched on and/or if a circuit breaker has tripped the supply. IF IN DOUBT CONTACT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN TO PERFORM THIS TEST FOR YOU. ALWAYS SWITCH OFF THE UNIT BEFORE ANY SERVICE IS DONE ON THE UNIT.
  2. Some traps have starters fitted to them.
    Check that these are functioning correctly or replace them as necessary.
  3. Do the Lamps need replacing?
    If the trap has power try replacing the lamps.
  4. Have the Safety cut-off switches actuated?
    If your product is a High Voltage Zapper, safety cut off switches are incorporated into the design to cut off the power supply when the catch tray and or protective grilles are opened or removed. Refit the catch tray and/or close the protective grilles and the power should be restored.
  5. With glue board traps ensure release paper has been removed, or is not full of insects or has been replaced regularly.
  6. If all of the above are working correctly then try positioning your trap in a different location.
  7. Contact Brandenburg for further information.

Why has my Glue Board Catcher Trap stopped catching flies?

Check to see if the Glue Boards that are fitted need replacing. If the Glue Board is covered with insects then replace it with a new one.

Why is my High Voltage Zapper not zapping?

If your trap is operating normally [tubes are on] and flies are entering the trap but not being ‘zapped’ then there is likely to be an internal fault.

Where can I get spare parts for my trap?

You can purchase spare parts Tubes and Glue Boards from the place where the trap was purchased.

Why won’t my trap kill the midges or mosquitoes that swarm around our house

Biting insects such as mosquito, midge, and sand flies are not designed to be attracted to UV light as a rule.