Ovitrap and method of controlling vector born disease

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ovitrap ( 10 ) and novel method of controlling mosquito populations comprising the use of light ( 20 ) to create a photo stimulus, causing mosquito larvae ( 102 ) to move from a location (Va), where gravid mosquitoes have deposited their eggs, in a direction away from the light, to a location (Vb). where they are trapped and killed. The ovitrap utilises this behaviour to more effectively capture and kill larvae. The ovitrap comprises a container ( 12 ), a cover ( 14 ), and a means ( 16 ) for dividing the container ( 12 ) into two regions ( 101; 102 ), which in use are filled with water, and which communicate via an opening ( 26 ) such that a volume (Vb) below the means ( 16 ) defines a larvae ( 102 ) trapping region, and a volume (Va) above the means ( 16 ) defines an egg ( 101 ) receiving region. A light source ( 20 ) is mounted above the container ( 12 ) and is positioned to direct light downwards at a water surface ( 92 ), such that when the light is turned on, it creates a photo stimulus, and the larvae ( 102 ) respond by moving in a direction away from the light, from the volume above (Va) into the volume below (Vb) via opening ( 26 ). A gating mechanism ( 18 ) opens and closes the opening ( 26 ) when the light is respectively turned on and off, such that the larvae are trapped in the volume below

1 .- 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . An ovitrap comprising a container, which in use is filled with water and a water conditioning agent, characterised in that the container is connected to a water tank with a mechanism ensuring an appropriate water level in the ovitrap is maintained. 
     
     
         34 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the water tank comprises a receptacle with an outlet, lid, and hose. 
     
     
         35 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the water tank further comprises one or more of adjustable legs, a water conditioning cage, and a water inlet valve. 
     
     
         36 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 34 , wherein the water tank further comprises one or more of adjustable legs, a water conditioning cage, and a water inlet valve. 
     
     
         37 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein flow is controlled by a valve mechanism, comprising a valve body, float arm and float. 
     
     
         38 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 34 , wherein flow is controlled by a valve mechanism, comprising a valve body, float arm and float. 
     
     
         39 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 35 , wherein flow is controlled by a valve mechanism, comprising a valve body, float arm and float. 
     
     
         40 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the container comprises a mechanism for locating a cover, and the cover has a lower portion, which is shaped to facilitate location and retention. 
     
     
         41 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 34 , wherein the container comprises a mechanism for locating a cover, and the cover has a lower portion, which is shaped to facilitate location and retention. 
     
     
         42 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 35 , wherein the container comprises a mechanism for locating a cover, and the cover has a lower portion, which is shaped to facilitate location and retention. 
     
     
         43 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 37 , wherein the container comprises a mechanism for locating a cover, and the cover has a lower portion, which is shaped to facilitate location and retention. 
     
     
         44 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 33 , wherein the cover comprises a surface, which is adapted to assist a female mosquito to position herself for optimal egg laying. 
     
     
         45 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 34 , wherein the cover comprises a surface, which is adapted to assist a female mosquito to position herself for optimal egg laying. 
     
     
         46 . An ovitrap as claimed in in  claim 35 , wherein the cover comprises a surface, which is adapted to assist a female mosquito to position herself for optimal egg laying. 
     
     
         47 . An ovitrap as claimed in in  claim 37 , wherein the cover comprises a surface, which is adapted to assist a female mosquito to position herself for optimal egg laying. 
     
     
         48 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 40 , wherein the cover comprises a surface, which is adapted to assist a female mosquito to position herself for optimal egg laying. 
     
     
         49 . An ovitrap as claimed in  claim 44 , wherein the surface of the cover is roughened.