Flying insect trap

A passive, environmentally friendly apparatus and method for exterminating flying insects, particularly horseflies, without the use of chemical attractants or baits. A transparent deflector deflects the flying insects into a trap for extermination. A plurality of opaque targets are positioned about the deflector and trap so as to direct the flying insects into the deflector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. 
No. 60/009,561 filed Jan. 3, 1995. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for catching flying 
insects, specifically horseflies. More particularly, the invention relates 
to an apparatus having a unique arrangement of targets that direct the 
insects into a transparent impact panel. Upon impact the insects are 
downwardly deflected into a liquid, where they subsequently drown. 
2. Background 
The damage caused by biting insects, particularly horseflies, is 
significant. Horseflies are insects of a family (Tabanidae) of swift, 
usually rather stocky, two-winged flies, the female having a piercing 
proboscis. The females use the proboscis to suck the blood of animals 
(typically horses and cattle, but sometimes humans) inflicting painful 
bites and spreading disease. 
In the past, poisons have been used to control insects. However, the use of 
poisons is not favored due to their deleterious effects on the environment 
and the possibility of killing potentially beneficial insects. 
As an alternative to poison, many prior patents teach devices or traps to 
catch insects. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,941,659 to Coleman and U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,706,410 to Briese are designed to lure and catch insects known 
as Japanese beatles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,065 to Niemeyer is designed to 
catch flying forest insects, particularly bark beatles. U.S. Pat. No. 
4,718,193 to Rosselli is designed to catch flies. German 
Offenlegungsscharift No. 2,924,629 is also designed to catch flying 
insects. 
All of the above listed patents rely upon attractants, such as pheromones, 
which are insect-produced volatile compounds. The requirement of an 
attractant to lure the insects into the trap is disadvantageous. 
Sophisticated traps using pheromones require a user to acquire and 
administer the pheromones. Presumably, as the attractant ages, its 
effectiveness will diminish, and the attractant will have to be replaced 
with fresh pheromones in order to continue to attract insects to the trap. 
Other disadvantages with the use of attractants are apparent such as in 
Rosselli's trap for flying insects. Rosselli teaches using a bait to draw 
the insects into the trap, the preferred bait being fish gut. The obvious 
disadvantage of this method is that the attractant is foul smelling. 
Several of the above-listed patents teach directing the insects into a cone 
that is designed to funnel the insects into a receptacle. The use of a 
cone allows agile insects an opportunity to escape the receptacle. While 
such cones may be effective in trapping beatles, which are not agile, 
horseflies would be significantly more difficult to direct through a 
funnel. 
Consequently, a passive insect trapping apparatus that requires no poison, 
no bait, and that leaves no opportunity for the insects to escape is 
desired. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It has been noted that horseflies are attracted to free standing objects. 
It has further been observed that horseflies have a tendency to circle 
such an object at a relatively high speed before attempting to land on the 
object. 
It is therefore an object of this invention to take advantage of the above 
tendencies exhibited by horseflies and to provide a passive trapping 
apparatus for catching and killing horseflies. 
It is another object to provide a trapping apparatus that does not require 
the use of chemical attractants or other types of bait to attract the 
insects. 
It is a further object to provide a trapping apparatus that is remarkably 
successful in catching horseflies, but has no features or components that 
are harmful to the environment, humans or livestock. 
These and other objects are achieved by an apparatus constructed of 
commonly available materials in such a way as to attract flying insects, 
e.g. horseflies, and steer them into a transparent deflector which 
deflects them into a soapy water trap or alternative environmentally 
friendly means to exterminate them. In the preferred embodiment, the 
invention is comprised of an upper panel or "target" and a lower panel or 
"target" that span between left and right support members. Also spanning 
between the left and right support members, and positioned between the 
upper and lower targets, is a deflector, preferably a transparent impact 
surface comprised of first and second glass panes arranged in a synclinal 
relationship. Provided below the glass panes is a trap, preferably a tray 
having an inwardly beveled edge. The tray is filled with a liquid, such as 
water, and is positioned to receive downwardly deflected insects. 
Positioned on the outward side of the support members is a side target. In 
the preferred embodiment, the side targets are not positioned in a 
co-planar arrangement with the upper and lower targets. Instead, the side 
targets are positioned parallel to each other at an angle from the above 
defined plane, oriented to extend out in opposite directions from one 
another. The apparatus thus appears to form an "S" as might be drawn with 
three line segments. 
In practice, the device is set up in the out-of-doors and a liquid such as 
water, preferably soapy water, is placed into the tray. Alternatively, the 
panes of glass can be positioned above a body of water such as a pond. 
Horseflies are attracted to the device by the large, preferably darkly 
colored targets. It has been found that shiny black targets are most 
effective, though not necessary. As the horseflies approach the trap, they 
have a natural tendency to circle the trap before attempting to land on 
the structure. As the horsefly circles the structure, the horsefly 
encounters a side target. The horsefly must either change its course to go 
around the ends of the target or pass through what appears to be an open 
area between the upper and lower targets and the left and right support 
members. It has been found that when the side targets are positioned at an 
approximately forty-five (45) degree offset from the upper and lower 
targets the horseflies attempt to pass through the seemingly open area a 
great majority of the time. This fact accounts for the remarkable success 
of this device in trapping horseflies. The seemingly open space, which is 
positioned between the upper and lower targets and the left and right 
support members, in fact houses the deflector, a transparent impact 
surface. The transparent impact surface is preferably comprised of glass 
panes. Experiments have shown that glass panes are superior to plexi-glass 
panes since the horseflies seem to be able to detect the presence of 
plexi-glass panes. However, other types of transparent panes may be used. 
In the preferred embodiment, first and second glass panes are positioned 
in a synclinal relationship. It has been found that the trap is most 
effective when the panes are positioned at approximately thirty (30) to 
fifty (50) degrees above the horizontal. Additionally, the trap is most 
effective when it is oriented in a north/south direction. As the 
horseflies attempt to pass through the seemingly open area between the 
upper and lower targets they impact with the panes and are deflected 
downwardly into the trap, e.g. the tray of liquid located below the 
device. If the transparent panes are positioned at an orientation too 
close to vertical the horseflies have a tendency to bounce off the panes 
and not be directed into the tray. If the panes are oriented at an angle 
too close to horizontal, then the seemingly open area between the upper 
and lower targets must be narrowed accordingly, thereby reducing the 
likelihood that the horsefly will fly between the upper and lower panes. A 
narrowing of the space between the upper and lower targets increases the 
likelihood that the horsefly will fly around the side targets. 
In the preferred embodiment, the trap comprises a tray positioned below the 
glass panes. The tray has beveled edges to prevent the insects from 
crawling out. If the tray is provided with beveled edges, ordinary water 
may be used to effectively trap the insects. The insects are unable to 
escape the tray and subsequently drown. Using soapy water is advantageous 
insofar as it interferes with the insect's respiration. 
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, multiple trays may be used 
between a single set of support members. In accordance with another aspect 
of the invention, alternatives to soapy water are employed to exterminate 
the insects deflected by the glass panes. 
The invention also includes the method of exterminating flying insects by 
using the above described apparatus and a kit containing the components 
for the device. 
A better understanding of the invention and its objects and advantages will 
become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed 
description, taken in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein 
there is shown and described only the preferred embodiment of the 
invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated for 
carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable 
of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from 
the invention. Accordingly, the description should be regarded as 
illustrative in nature and not is restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an insect trapping apparatus 
designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 is 
comprised of an upper target 12 and a lower target 14 that are supported 
by a left support member 16 and a right support member 18. In the 
preferred embodiment, the support members 16, 18 extend about five (5) to 
six (6) feet above the ground and the distance between the two is 
approximately forty-two (42) inches. The upper target has a height of 
about one (1) foot and the lower target has a height of about two (2) 
feet. An open space 20, preferably of a height of twelve (12) to fourteen 
(14) inches, is provided between upper target 12 and lower target 14 for 
receiving a deflector, such as a transparent impact surface, preferably a 
pair of glass panes. A first pane 22 is visible in FIG. 1. Left bracket 24 
and right bracket 26 are affixed to left support member 16 and right 
support member 18 respectively. Brackets 24 and 26 support first left 
guide 28 and first right guide 30. Guides 28 and 30 support first glass 
pane 22 and second glass pane 23 (not shown in FIG. 1). Affixed to left 
support member 16 is left side target 32. In the preferred embodiment, 
left side target 32 is additionally supported by outer left support member 
34. Affixed to right support member 18 is right side target 36. Right side 
target 36 is further supported by outer right support member 38. The outer 
support members 34, 38 are similar in height to the left and right support 
members 16, 18. The side targets 32, 36 are approximately twenty-four (24) 
inches wide and sixty-six (66) inches tall. Below first and second panes 
of glass 22 and 23, is a trap in the form of a tray 40 for receiving, 
deflected insects. 
Referring now to FIG. 2, an end view of the apparatus 10 is shown. Visible 
are end views of upper target 12 and lower target 14. Left side target 32 
is visible, since it is offset at preferably forty-five (45) degrees from 
upper target 12 and lower target 14. Outer left support member 34 supports 
the outside edge of left side target 32. The inside edge 42 of left side 
target 32 is proximate to left support member 16. Partially visible and 
partially shown with hatched lines is left bracket 24, which is affixed to 
first left guide 28 and second left guide 29. First pane of glass 22 and 
second pane of glass 23 are shown supported by guides 28 and 29. Also 
affixed to bracket 24 is tray 40, shown in FIG. 2 with hatched lines. An 
inwardly beveled edge 44 is provided on tray 40 to prevent trapped insects 
from escaping. A left U-bolt 46 is provided to affix left bracket 24 to 
left support member 16. Also visible is right side target 36 and outer 
right support member 38. Right side target 36 is visible because it is 
offset forty-five (45) degrees from upper target 12 and lower target 14 in 
an opposite direction from left side target 32. First glass pane 22 and 
second glass pane 23 are arranged in a synclinal relationship and are 
preferably set approximately thirty (30) to fifty (50) degrees above the 
horizontal. 
FIG. 3 shows a top view of the apparatus 10. FIG. 3 better illustrates how 
left side target 32 and right side target 36 are angled at about 
forty-five (45) degrees from upper target 12 and lower target 14. Also, 
clearly visible is a top view of left support member 16, right support 
member 18, outer left support member 34 and outer right support member 38. 
In the preferred embodiment, support members 16, 18, 34, and 38 comprise 
conventional metal T-bar fence posts. 
First glass pane 22 is supported by first left guide 28 and first right 
guide 30, both of which are respectively mounted, such as by welding, on 
brackets 24, 26, which brackets, in turn, are affixed to support members 
16, 18 by U-bolts 46, 47. Second glass pane 23 is supported by second left 
guide 29 and second right guide 31, both of which are likewise mounted on 
brackets 24, 26, which brackets, in turn, are affixed to support members 
16, 18 by U-bolts 46, 47. 
FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the apparatus 10. Shown in FIG. 4 is 
a second embodiment of guides used to support first glass pane 22 and 
second glass pane 23. First right U-shaped guide 48 and second right 
U-shaped guide 50 are shown in FIG. 4 supporting first and second glass 
panes 22 and 23. However, these guides are shown as examples only, and 
other configurations of guides would be acceptable. Water 52 is shown in 
tray 40 and is used to receive deflected insects that impact first glass 
pane 22 or second glass pane 23. Beveled edge 44 is provided to prevent 
the insects from climbing out. 
In practice, the apparatus 10 is set in the out-of-doors where it can 
attract insects such as horseflies, preferably in an open field. Before 
landing on an object, horseflies are known to circle the object. As the 
horsefly circles the apparatus 10, the horsefly will encounter either 
right side target 36 or left side target 32. The side targets provide the 
trap with a large sight line. The angle of offset for left side target 32 
and right side target 36 is important. It has been found that an 
approximately forty-five (45) degree offset is optimal for directing the 
maximum number of horseflies through the seemingly open area instead of 
around the side of right or left side targets 32 or 36. Some variation in 
the offset of side targets 32, 36 is acceptable depending upon the 
circumstances. If the side targets are set at the appropriate angles, an 
insect will pass through the seemingly open area between upper target 14 
and lower target 16, instead of altering its flight path to circle outside 
of either right side target 36 or left side target 32. Invisible to the 
fly, however, is the transparent impact surface provided in the seemingly 
open area between upper target 14 and lower target 16. The transparent 
impact surface is preferably comprised of first pane of glass 22 and 
second pane of glass 23. Preferably, these panes of glass are arranged in 
a synclinal relationship as shown in FIG. 4 and are set at approximately 
thirty (30) to fifty (50) degrees above horizontal. If glass panes 22 and 
23 are set at the appropriate angle, the horseflies that attempt to pass 
through the seemingly open area will impact either glass pane 22 or 23 and 
be deflected downwardly into tray 40 where they subsequently drown in a 
liquid such as water 50 provided therein. Soapy water is preferred. 
Beveled edge 44 is provided on the upper surfaces of tray 40 to prevent 
the insects from escaping. 
The preferred materials for use in connection with the present invention 
include, as described above, dark colored solid target material (although 
color is not believed to be critical the targets should be opaque), glass 
panes for the transparent impact surface, sheet metal trays and 
conventional T-bar metal fence posts for the support members. Painted wood 
or plastic sheeting will suffice for the target material, along with other 
similar articles. As mentioned, plexi-glass does not appear to work too 
well as a substitute for glass, but other glass substitutes, including 
clear screen wire, may be effective. The tray can be formed with integral 
brackets and welded glass guides. Any sturdy, upright support post could 
be used in place of conventional T-bar metal fence posts. It should be 
understood that the particular materials described herein are for purposes 
of illustrating acceptable types of materials. They are not limiting in 
and of themselves. 
It is readily evident from the above description that the apparatus can be 
assembled in a variety of ways. One way includes setting up the trap in a 
north/south orientation by driving a first T-post into the ground so that 
five (5) to six (6) feet of the post extends above the ground. The sheet 
metal tray is then used to measure the required distance for the second 
T-post. The second post is driven into the ground to achieve the same 
height as the first T-post. The smooth sides of the T-posts face toward 
each other to aid in affixing the tray between the posts. The tray is 
leveled by adding water. After the tray is affixed to between what are now 
called the tray posts, the upper and lower targets are tied between the 
tray posts. The outer support members, or target posts, are then driven 
into the ground approximately two (2) feet from each tray post at an angle 
of about forty-five (45) degrees, one extending to the northeast and the 
other toward the southwest from the tray posts. The side targets are hung 
with four (4) grommets between the target posts and tray posts. The glass 
panes are then slid into place. 
The invention also encompasses using multiple trays between a single set of 
support members. In a preferred multiple tray arrangement where the trays 
are set up in a north/south orientation, a metal T-post is driven into the 
ground leaving approximately 5.5 to 6 feet of post above the ground. The 
smooth side of the post is for placement next to the tray. A tray is used 
to measure the distance required for the other supporting T-post, and the 
second post is driven into the ground as was the first. An upper tray is 
affixed to the support posts approximately sixteen (16) inches from the 
top of the T-posts. The tray is leveled by adding water. A one (1) foot 
target is tied about 4 inches above the tray. A two (2) foot target is 
tied against the bottom of the tray. A second tray is attached between the 
posts with the top of the tray one (1) to (2) inches up from the bottom of 
the two (2) foot target. In other words, the target hangs into the second 
tray one (1) to two (2) inches. Another T-post is driven level with the 
other posts about two (2) feet from each tray post. These are placed at a 
forty-five (45) degree angle, one going northeast and the other southwest 
from the tray posts. A two (2) foot by five (5) foot side target is hung 
with four (4) grommets between the outer target posts and the tray posts. 
The glass panes are slid into place above the trays. It has been observed 
that with this embodiment, larger horse flies are trapped in the upper 
tray while smaller flies are captured in the lower tray. 
In addition to or instead of a tray filled with soapy water, other 
alternative traps for exterminating the deflected insects can be used. In 
one case, a one-quarter inch piece of polyurethane foam is placed inside 
the tray filled with soapy water so that it floats thereon. The deflected 
horseflies land on the foam and contact the soapy water contained in the 
foam, but they are capable of flying off, only to expire later when the 
soapy water interferes with their respiration. This avoids having to clean 
out the tray as often. Other traps, such as flypaper, can be used below 
the glass panes as an extermination mechanism. Though not preferred, 
chemical attractants or bait could be placed in the tray. 
It is also contemplated that a drip tank containing soapy water could be 
incorporated into the invention, such as replacing a side target with a 
drip tank or suspending a drip tank along-side a side target, to provide a 
reservoir of water for the tray. 
The invention was independently tested and was found to be successful in 
exterminating significant numbers of horseflies. 
The invention may be sold assembled or in a kit. Likewise, the invention 
includes the method of exterminating flying insects by assembling the 
apparatus described in detail above in a suitable horsefly infested 
location. 
While the invention has been described with a certain degree of 
particularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in the details 
of construction and the arrangement of components without departing from 
the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the 
invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes 
of exemplification, but is to be limited only by the scope of the attached 
claim or claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each 
element thereof is entitled.