Product category:
Plant Inspection and Cleaning
News Release from: Berson UV-techniek | Subject: Berson Insectron
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 30 October 2003
The efficient use of light in insect
exterminators
In recent years, the sensitivity of insects to different wavelengths of light has been the subject of extensive research: many modern exterminator units now produce both ultraviolet and green light
In recent years, the sensitivity of insects to different wavelengths of light has been the subject of extensive research The ability of certain wavelengths to attract insects is crucial to the success of the Berson Insectron "light trap" range of exterminator units
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 28 Feb 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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Used widely to kill flying insects in food storage and processing plants, kitchens, retail outlets, farms and livestock houses, they play a crucial role in contamination control.
The use of ultraviolet (UV) light to attract insects towards exterminators is very well established.
UV covers a range of wavelengths and it is only those at the longer end of the spectrum, known as UV-A, which are effective for this purpose.
Research shows, however, that UV-A only attracts insects while they are in flight.
When resting, they are attracted instead to green light, so for this reason many modern exterminator units produce both ultraviolet and green light.
In order to judge the effectiveness of the tubes used in these units, it is important to distinguish between their total light output and the light they emit specifically at UV-A and green wavelengths.
The amount of light energy produced at wavelengths absorbable by an insect's eye is called the attraction potential of the tube.
Occasionally, manufacturers claim to have produced a tube which, despite a modest power rating, can attract insects very efficiently using a broad spectrum of wavelengths.
Unfortunately, this is scientifically impossible.
The energy produced by a single tube can of course be used to cover a wide spectrum of wavelengths.
However, a wider spectrum means less energy emitted at any given wavelength, resulting in a lower attraction potential for the tube.
Alternatively, a single tube can be designed to emit light from just one area of the spectrum, and to do so at high intensity.
For this reason, the Berson Insectron range of exterminators combine a UV-A tube and a green tube in a single unit.
This ensures a high attraction potential for both flying and resting insects without wasting energy on ineffective wavelengths.
The Insectron range is designed, manufactured and distributed at the Berson state-of-the-art facility in the Netherlands.
Widely regarded as the leading insect exterminator on the market, it is marketed throughout Europe by an extensive network of distributors.
For more information please visit the Insectron web site.
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