|
"Replace insect attractant lamps once each year, in the spring!" This Rule of Thumb originated with my father, Don Gilbert. It was derived from the knowledge that lamps do, in fact, deteriorate over time (see graphs below)*, combined with customers observations that "our traps are not working as well as they did last year", and subsequent research. He got even more specific, saying that insect attractant lamps have an average, effective life of nine and one half months. Recommending “spring” replacement simply insures traps are operating at their best during the summer insect season. This recommendation has been copied by most everyone in the industry and is routinely quoted as some sort of absolute truth. It's time tested to satisfy the vast majority of circumstances, but it is not an unquestionable fact. *** Perhaps, attractant lamps need to be replaced more often where there is dire need for top trap performance, in hospitals, perhaps, where cross-contamination is a concern, or in laboratories where intravenous solutions are manufactured, perhaps more frequently in climates with year-round insect problems? Perhaps, they could be replaced less often in facilities where there are relatively few flies to worry about, or where the fly season is short with a good winter, or where controlling them is not considered important. I hope this is someplace where I don't eat. If you're experimentally inclined, consider replacing half your lamps after one year. Then, compare how the new lamps perform relative to the older ones. Swap lamp positions, be as fair as possible, and let us know what you find. I believe you will find, this (time tested) rule of thumb fits the vast majority of circumstances: "Replace insect attractant lamps once each year in the spring!" REFERENCES: *According to the manufacturer, the average output of our attractant lamp** (when matched with the proper ballast) will decrease from 100% to 80% in the first 100 hours (4 days), to 72% in 500 hours (20 days), to 68% in 1000 hours (41 days), and to 60% in 2000 hours (83 days). The deterioration continues at a decreasing rate, approximately 3% a month. 15 watt lamps will deteriorate a little faster than 20 watt lamps and 20 watt lamps a little faster than 40 watt. See graphs (below). I mentioned “proper ballast” because at least one flytrap manufacturer overdrives its lamps with two ballasts, increasing its effectiveness for about a week, but significantly increasing the deterioration rate, quickly reducing effectiveness. F40/350BL Lamp - UV OUTPUT OVER TIME
F20T12/350BL Lamp - UV OUTPUT OVER TIME
F15T12/350BL Lamp - UV OUTPUT OVER TIME ** The insect attractant lamp specified is the Osram/Sylvania® 350BL Phosphor Lamp (as manufactured in North America). BACK TO MAIN LAMPS PAGE |
