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.

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 .