Patent Publication Number: US-6655078-B2

Title: Insect trapping panel assembly for a mosquito attracting appratus

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of Ser. No. 09/981,330, filed on Oct. 17, 2001, incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to insect traps, and more particularly to devices for attracting, and trapping or killing mosquitoes and other biting insects. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Biting insects, such as mosquitoes and flies, can be an annoying, serious problem in man&#39;s domain. They interfere with work and spoil hours of leisure time. Their attacks on farm animals can cause loss of weight and decreased milk production. Worldwide, mosquito-borne diseases kill more people than any other single factor. Mosquitoes can be carriers of malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever in humans. In the United States, mosquitoes spread several types of encephalitis, including the West Nile virus. They also transmit heart worms to cats and dogs. 
     People are not the primary blood hosts for mosquitoes and biting insects, especially in temperate climates. The major mosquito pests in the southeastern United States seem to prefer the host-odor of small herbivorous (vegetarian) mammals, such as rabbits, or birds. Mosquitoes that carry encephalitis seem to prefer avian (bird) blood hosts. These mosquitoes bite people when they get the chance, but they are better at tracking the scent of animals that are most abundant in their habitat. 
     Mosquitoes locate blood hosts by scent, sight and heat. From 100 feet away (30 meters) mosquitoes can smell a potential blood host&#39;s scent, especially the carbon dioxide (CO2) the blood host exhales. Similarly, biting flies can smell their prey from 300 feet (100 meters) away. Because CO2 is present in the atmosphere (plants take in CO2 and give off oxygen), mosquitoes respond to higher-than-normal concentrations, especially when the CO2 is mixed with host-odor. They follow a blood host&#39;s scent upwind, and can see a target at a distance of about 30 feet (10 meters). 
     People have tried a number of different methods to rid themselves of mosquitoes and other biting insects. One method that is often utilized is spraying or applying chemical insecticides. Although many chemicals work well to kill or repel mosquitoes, the chemicals often have a deleterious effect on the environment, including, but not limited to, killing beneficial insects. In addition, chemical insecticides are effective only for a limited amount of time, and thus must be continuously sprayed. Moreover, many types of mosquitoes and biting insects are capable of developing resistance to the chemical pesticides in a few generations (which may only take a few months for mosquitoes), and in the long run, that adaptation makes the species stronger. 
     Another method used to combat mosquitoes is bug zappers. In general, a bug zapper includes a fluorescent light source surrounded by an electrified grid. The theory behind these devices is that the mosquitoes are attracted to the light, and, upon flying to the light, will be electrocuted by the grid. In actuality, however, the bug zappers kill beneficial insects, and attract mosquitoes but don&#39;t kill them in significant numbers. Thus, individuals that are located near a bug zapper may actually experience more mosquito bites than those that are not. 
     Citronella candles and smoking coils are often used to repel mosquitoes and other insects. However, research has shown that, in general, an individual must stand within the smoky plume of the citronella to be protected. This, of course, is not desirable. Moreover, even when standing in the plume, citronella is only partly effective in reducing the probability of a mosquito bite. Encouraging natural predation of insects by setting up bird or bat houses in the backyard has also been unsuccessful in reducing local mosquito populations. 
     Recently, significant research and effort have been expended to develop devices that attract and trap or kill mosquitoes. In general, these devices attempt to replicate the mosquito-attracting attributes of a typical blood host, such as a rabbit or a bird. The devices may include, for example, a source of carbon dioxide, a source of octenol (an alcohol that is given off by mammalian blood hosts), and/or a heat source. 
     One such device is sold under the trademark “MOSQUITO MAGNET” and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,243 to Wigton et al. The MOSQUITO MAGNET apparatus is an insect trapping device that generates its own insect attractants of carbon dioxide (CO2), heat, and water vapor through catalytic conversion of a hydrocarbon fuel in a combustion chamber. The hot insect attractants generated in the combustion chamber are diluted and cooled to a temperature above ambient temperature and below about 115 degrees Fahrenheit (F.) by mixing with air, and the mixture is exhausted downward through an exhaust tube. A counterflow of outside air is drawn into the trap though a suction tube that concentrically surrounds the exhaust tube. Biting insects are sucked into the suction tube and are captured in a porous, disposable bag connected to the other end of the suction tube. Additional chemical attractants may be used with the device to make the trap even more effective. 
     Although the MOSQUITO MAGNET device works well for its intended purpose, it is a very bulky device which cannot reasonably be taken to remote locations such as for camping, boating, or the like. These recreational activities are among the primary arenas where individuals may encounter mosquitoes and other biting insects. Moreover, due to its high suggested retail price ($700 to $1300, depending upon the model), it is far out of reach of the ordinary consumer. Thus, few people would actually purchase the MOSQUITO MAGNET, even if they have a pressing need for mosquito control. 
     Another example of an apparatus for attracting and destroying insects is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,766, and is sold under the trademark DRAGONFLY. The DRAGONFLY apparatus generally includes a source of carbon dioxide, a source of octenol, a device for emitting the carbon dioxide proximate the source of octenol to create a mixture of the carbon dioxide and octenol, a heating element, and an electrified grid. Insects are initially attracted to the apparatus by the odor associated with the mixture of carbon dioxide and octenol. As the insects fly closer to the apparatus, they are further attracted to the visual properties of the apparatus and then, at close range, they are attracted to the heat emitted by the heating element. In an attempt to fly closer to the heating element, the insects are intercepted by the electrified grid and destroyed. 
     Although the DRAGONFLY apparatus works well for attracting and capturing insects, its heating source and electrical grid are reliant upon an AC power supply, and thus the portability of the DRAGONFLY apparatus is limited to locations that can be reached by an electrical extension cord. This feature limits the use of the DRAGONFLY apparatus mostly to home use, and even limits the locations where it may be located around a home. Moreover, as with the MOSQUITO MAGNET device, the DRAGONFLY apparatus, at a suggested retail price of approximately $700, is priced out of the price range of the ordinary consumer. 
     There exists a need for a mosquito attractor and trap that is portable, so that it may be easily moved to a desired location, or used in outdoor recreation, such as camping or boating. Preferably, the mosquito trap may be produced and sold relatively inexpensively, so that it may be purchased by a typical consumer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus that is both portable and inexpensive to manufacture. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus includes a heat element (a thermal lure), a source of carbon dioxide (CO2), and a source of a chemical biting insect attractant, such as octenol. The thermal lure, the chemical biting insect attractant, and the CO2 simulate a small animal, thus attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects to the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus. A mechanism may be provided for trapping or killing the attracted mosquitoes, such as a sticky adhesive tray or an electronic grid. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the heat for the thermal lure and the source of CO2 are provided by a propane flame. The propane is supplied, for example, by a small propane tank that is attached to the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus, and that is mounted, for example, in a bottom portion of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus. The propane tank is connected to a burner that, in operation, produces combustion. The burning propane produced by the flame is the source of the CO2. If desired, the propane tank may be mounted in a recess in the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus. Alternatively, the propane tank may be mounted under or beside the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus, and the apparatus may include removable or foldable legs for support. Removing or folding the legs compacts the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus for easier transport. 
     The thermal lure includes a structure that surrounds the burner and that is heated by the burner to a temperature that is similar to that of a small animal, such as 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The structure includes a series of baffles and conduction elements that permit the structure to have a substantially constant heat signature, which is desirable for attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the thermal lure includes three concentric cylinders, each made of aluminum or another highly thermally conductive material. The innermost cylinder surrounds the flame of the burner, and heat is transferred to the outermost cylinder from the innermost cylinder by thermally-conductive connector arms. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the connector arms extend to the bottom of the outer cylinder, so that heat may rise to the top of the outer cylinder and the outer surface of the outer cylinder maintains a substantially constant temperature. 
     The central cylinder and the baffles work together to dissipate the heat of the exhaust of the flame, by moving some of the exhaust sideways out of the thermal lure, so that not all exhaust exits the same location, thus avoiding a hot spot in the thermal lure. In addition, the baffles and central cylinder help to mix the exhaust with ambient air, increasing heat dissipation and further reducing the possibility of a hot spot being formed on the outermost cylinder by the exhaust or convection. 
     An adjustment mechanism may be provided to adjust the height of the flame. In this manner, the flame height may be adjusted to account for ambient temperature, or to provide a thermal footprint that is appropriate for a location or weather condition. If desired, settings may be provided for particular weather conditions, such as temperatures, so that a user may set the flame to the appropriate level for a given weather condition. 
     The source of the chemical biting insect attractor may be, for example, a strip of octenol. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an octenol strip is mounted in a holder on the side of the thermal lure, whereby the heat of the thermal lure may be used to activate the octenol in the strip. If desired, the octenol strip may be provided in a disposable container, such as a tray, so that it may be easily replaced when the octenol is evaporated. 
     The trapping or killing mechanism may be sticky adhesive, provided, for example, on one or two trays that are situated around the thermal lure. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the adhesive may be provided to a consumer on a pair of trays. Each of the trays includes a pair of fold lines so that the trays may be folded into trifold, half-hexagon shapes. A backing is removed from the adhesive material, and the two halves are placed on opposite sides of the thermal lure with the adhesive facing outward. The trays may include guides along their outer edges that fit onto rails within the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus, providing easy removal of a tray filled with biting insects and easy replacement of a new tray. 
     Preferably, the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus requires a minimal flame for operation. In this manner, a small propane fuel tank, such as the 16.4 ounce COLEMAN propane fuel tank manufactured and supplied by The Coleman Company, Inc., the assignee of the present invention, may provide enough fuel for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus to operate for approximately 50 hours, which is equal to running the device approximately 3 hours per night (prime mosquito time) for 2 weeks. A 20 pound bottle of propane may be connected to the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus to allow operation for over 1000 hours. If desired, the octenol strip may be sized and arranged so that the octenol on the trays evaporates in approximately the same amount of time as normal use of the small propane tank over two weeks. Thus, maintenance of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus would require only that the tank be replaced or refilled, and that the octenol tray be replaced once every two weeks. Occasional replacement of the adhesive trays may also be needed, especially where the trays are full of mosquitoes or other biting insects, or when the trays become dirty. 
     A removable or hinged top may be provided on the top of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus for accessing the octenol tray and the adhesive trays. In this manner, easy access may be had to the trays for maintenance or replacement. In addition, the top provides some protection for the adhesive trays from dirt and other foreign matter. 
     Other advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus incorporating the present invention, the apparatus including a skirt as a base into which a propane tank may be mounted; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus incorporating the present invention, the alternate embodiment including removable or foldable legs; 
     FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the skirt and a waist assembly for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the legs for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a waist assembly for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a thermal lure assembly that may be incorporated in the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus of FIG. 1 or  2 ; 
     FIG. 8 is an assembled, cutaway view of the thermal lure assembly of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9A is a top view of one embodiment of a sticky tray that may be used in a sticky frame assembly for use in the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus of FIG. 1 or  2 , the view showing the sticky tray in a flat, shipping configuration in phantom; 
     FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a sticky tray that may be used in a sticky frame assembly for use in the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus of FIG. 1 or  2 ; 
     FIG. 10 is a sticky frame assembly in accordance with one aspect of the present invention that may be used with the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus of FIG. 1 or  2 ; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a top assembly that may be used in the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus of FIG. 1 or  2  in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is an assembled, bottom, perspective view of a cap for the top assembly of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 is a top, view of an octenol strip that may be used with the present invention; 
     FIG. 14 is a simplified circuit diagram showing a operation indicator in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 15 is a simplified circuit diagram showing a mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus that may be used with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention. In addition, to the extent that orientations of the invention are described, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” and the like, the orientations are to aid the reader in understanding the invention, and are not meant to be limiting. 
     At the outset, it is important to note a few characteristics of mosquitoes and flying insects. Typically, biting insects are attracted by the odor of kairomones, which are chemicals given off by blood hosts and which are attractants to biting insects. Kairomones include carbon dioxide exhaled by both mammalian and avian blood hosts and octenol, an alcohol which is given off by mammalian blood hosts. Biting insects locate a blood host by tracking the carbon dioxide plume created by the blood host. A mixture of carbon dioxide and octenol is particularly attractive to insects seeking mammalian blood hosts. 
     As a biting insect approaches a blood host, it is attracted to the heat that is emanated by the blood host. Mosquitoes and biting insects respond to a narrow range of temperature, typically about approximately 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The inventors&#39; research has indicated that, in order to attract the biting insects, an item must have a fairly constant temperature over its surface, and preferably must not have temperatures on its surface that are above or below this range. If there are lower or higher temperatures, the biting insects are usually repelled. 
     Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown a mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus designated generally by reference numeral  20 . An alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, and is designated generally by the reference numeral  22 . Briefly described, the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  includes a base  100 , shown in the form of a skirt  102  in FIG. 1, and legs  104  in FIG.  2 . The mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  includes a waist assembly  200  (FIG. 4) configured for fitting over the skirt  102 , and the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  22  includes a waist assembly  201  (FIG. 3) that is configured for attachment of the legs  104 . Other than these differences, the two embodiments of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 ,  22  include essentially the same components. To this end, FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the mosquito attracting apparatus  22 , and the components above the waist assembly  201  are included in both the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  and  22 . The exploded perspective view of the waist assembly  200  and the skirt  102  for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  is shown in FIG.  4 . For ease of description, when discussing the components of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  or  22  that are common to the two, the components will be described with reference to the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 . 
     Continuing with a general description of components that are common to the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatuses  20  and  22 , the waist assembly  200  or  201  houses a burner tube  202  (e.g., FIG.  6 ). A thermal lure  300  (e.g., FIG. 3) is seated on top of the waist assembly  200  or  201  and, during operation, is heated by combustion in the burner tube  202  to create a heat pattern that simulates a small mammal or bird. A source of a chemical biting insect attractant, such as an octenol strip  400  (e.g., FIG.  7 ). In operation, the burner tube  202  creates combustion that serves as a source of carbon dioxide (CO2). Together, the carbon dioxide provided by the burner, the chemical biting insect attractant, and the thermal lure emulate a small mammal or bird, thus attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects. A mechanism may be provided for trapping or killing the attracted mosquitoes, such as a sticky adhesive or an electronic grid. For example, a sticky adhesive assembly  500  (e.g., FIG. 10) may be provided that includes adhesive trays  502  for trapping mosquitoes and biting insects. The sticky adhesive assembly  500  may be mounted, for example, in a top assembly  600  (e.g., FIG. 11) of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 , and around the thermal lure  300 , as further described below. 
     The base  100  may be of any suitably design, but preferably is designed to support the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  in an upright position, and is configured so that it may receive a small propane tank  106  (FIGS.  2  and  4 ). The small propane tank  106  may be, for example, a COLEMAN 16.4 ounce propane tank, such as can be purchased for use with COLEMAN brand lanterns, both of which are manufactured by the assignee of the present invention, The Coleman Company, Inc. The COLEMAN propane tank is readily available at many retail stores that carry camping goods and/or sporting goods. 
     As can best be seen in FIG. 4, the skirt  102  for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  is generally frustoconical in shape, having a waist base  108  at its top for attachment of the waist assembly  200 . The waist base  108  includes a series of slots  109  therein, which permit cooling of the propane tank  106 , and airflow into the waist assembly  200  to supply air to the burner tube  202 . The embodiment of the skirt  102  shown in the drawings includes three convex indentations  110  (only one of which is shown in FIG. 4) spaced equally around the skirt. A concave protrusion  112  is located at the bottom of each of the convex indentations  110 , over which is fitted a skirt foot  114 . The skirt foot  114  may include a tab  115  and fastener  116  attachment, such as is shown in the drawings, or may be attached in another suitable manner. Alternatively, if desirable, the skirt feet  114  may be formed integrally with the skirt  102 . The skirt  102  and the skirt feet  114  may be formed of cast aluminum, steel, plastic, or another suitable material. In use, the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  rests on the skirt feet  114 , and the skirt feet support the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 . 
     An opening  118  extends through the top center of the skirt  102 . The opening  118  is arranged and configured to receive the upper neck of the small propane tank  106 . The remainder of the small propane tank  106  fits within the skirt  102 , and the bottom of the small propane tank may, for example, be spaced above the surface on which the skirt is sitting. 
     Turning now to FIG. 5, the legs  104  include a leg wire  120 , formed, for example, of ¼ inch steel wire, and shaped to extend downward and outward from the waist assembly  200 , and bent into a loop. The ends of the loop may be connected in a suitable manner, such as by welding. A lower foot piece  122  fits under the leg wire  120 , and an upper foot piece  124  fits over the lower foot piece, and on the opposite, inside side of the leg wire  120 . The lower foot piece  122  and the upper foot piece  124  are connected in a suitable manner, such as by fasteners  126 . The lower foot piece  122  and the upper foot piece  124  may be formed of a suitable material such as plastic or a metal. 
     An inner leg hub  130  and an outer leg hub  132  are attached on opposite, upper sides of the leg wire. The inner and outer leg hubs  130 ,  132  preferably include some form of structure to prevent rotation of the hubs relative to the leg wire  120 , such as a groove  134  in the inner leg hub  130 . The inner and outer leg hubs  130 ,  132  are attached, for example by rivets  136 . The inner and outer leg hubs  130 ,  132  include holes  138 ,  140  therethough for receiving the fasteners. Central holes  139 ,  141  extend through the middle of the inner and outer leg hubs  130 ,  132 . 
     A shaft  142  is fitted into a hole  144  (FIG. 3) in a leg mount  146  (also shown in FIG. 3) on the waist assembly  201  for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  22 . The shaft  142  includes a protrusion at its distal end, onto which a knob  148  may be press fit or removably attached in another suitable manner (e.g., threaded onto). 
     The removable attachment of the knob  148  on the shaft  142  permits the legs  104  to be removably attached to the waist assembly  200 . To attach the legs  104 , the holes  139 ,  141  on the inner and outer leg hubs  130 ,  132  are placed over the shaft  142 , and the knob  148  is tightened on (e.g., pressed onto) the shaft  142 . If desired, protrusions  150  (FIG. 3) may be provided on the leg mount  146  for fitting into recesses  152  (FIG. 3) on the back of the inner leg hubs  130 . The protrusions  150  assure that the legs  104  do not rotate after attachment. In use, the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  22  rests on the lower foot piece  122  and is supported by the legs  104 . In addition, the small propane tank  106  rests on or above the surface (e.g., the ground or a table) on which the feet  104  are resting. 
     If desired, the knob  148  and the legs  104  may be configured so that loosening the knob permits the legs to be rotated. In this manner, the knob  148  may be loosened, and the legs may be rotated to extend upward along the sides of the top assembly  600 . This feature permits the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  22  to be compactly stored, yet does not require a user to separately store the legs  104 . 
     The waist assembly  200  is shown in detail in FIG.  6 . For the most part, the waist assembly  200  for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  is essentially the same as the waist assembly for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  22 , with the exception of the attachment of skirt  102  verses the attachment of the legs  104 . For the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  22  that includes the legs  104 , a waist bracket (not shown) is provided that attaches to the bottom of the waist assembly  200 , and includes holes therein for allowing air into the burner tube  202  and a hole for receiving the top of the small propane tank  106 . The holes  109 ,  118  in, and the top of, the waist base  108  for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  that uses the skirt  102  serve a similar function and are similarly structured. For the waist assembly  200  that fits over the skirt  102 , a recess (not shown) is provided on the bottom of the waist assembly  200  for fitting over the waist base  108 . The waist assembly  200  may be attached in a suitable manner, such as by fasteners, or may simply rest on top of the skirt  102 . The waist assembly  201  that attaches to the legs  104  includes the leg mounts  146 , the function of which has already been described. 
     For the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  shown in FIG. 1, the small propane tank  106  fits into the skirt  102  and the threaded mouth of the small propane tank  106  extends partly into the waist assembly  200 . For the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 , the small propane tank  106  fits between the legs  104  and the small propane tank  106  rests on or above the surface upon which the legs are resting. Again, the threaded mouth of the small propane tank  106  extends partly into the waist assembly  200 . 
     A regulator  210  (FIG. 6) fits within the waist assembly  200 . The regulator  210  includes female threads (not shown) for fitting onto the treaded top of the small propane tank  106 . The regulator  210  is designed in a manner known in the art to control the amount of propane supplied to the burner tube  202 . An electric igniter  212  is attached to the side of the regulator  210 . An adjustment shaft  214  extends out of the front of the regulator  210 . A control knob  216  is attached to the end of the adjustment shaft  214 . 
     Although the function, structure and operation of the regulator  210  are generally known, a general description is given here for the convenience of the reader. To start combustion in the burner tube  202 , when the control knob  216  is located in an “off” position, the control knob is rotated, in this case in a counterclockwise direction, causing the adjustment shaft  214  to rotate. Rotation of the adjustment shaft  214  causes two things to happen. First, the rotation of the adjustment shaft  214  opens a valve (not shown), permitting the release of propane from the small propane tank  106 , through a gas tip  224 , and into the burner tube  202 , which is attached to the top of the gas tip  224 . Second, rotation of the adjustment shaft  214  from the “off” position causes the electric igniter  212  to spark. The spark ignites the propane in the burner tube  202 , causing combustion. Turning the control knob  216  further counterclockwise opens the valve even more, and increases the amount of propane supplied by the small propane tank  106 , thus increasing the size of the flame in the burner tube  202 . Likewise, clockwise rotation of the control knob  216  while there is a flame in the burner tube  202  decreases the size of the flame. 
     As an alternative to the propane burner described, other forms of combustion may be used, including those which do not produce a flame, for example a catalytic burner. The fuel does not have to be propane, and may, as nonlimiting examples, be butane, natural gas, or liquid propane. 
     A plate  230  is mounted on the surface of the waist assembly  200 , and around the control knob  216 . The plate  230  includes indicia  232  along the periphery of the opening that receives the control knob  216 . In the disclosed embodiment, the indicia  232  are 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, and 100 degrees, respectively. The control knob  216  includes an indicator  234  that may be aligned with one of the indicia  232 . The function of the indicia  232  and the indicator  234  are described further below. 
     An exploded view of the thermal lure  300  is shown in FIG.  7 . The thermal lure  300  includes a structure that surrounds the burner and that is heated by the burner. The thermal lure  300  is designed and configured so that radiant, conductive, and reflective heat are channeled throughout it so that the outside temperature is substantially constant. When the flame in the burner is adjusted an appropriate amount, the substantially constant temperature may be similar to that of a small animal, such as 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     To aid in heat dissipation, the thermal lure includes a series of baffles, shields and thermal conduction elements that permit the structure to have a substantially constant heat signature on the outside surface. These elements are shown in detail in FIG.  7 . Beginning at the bottom, the thermal lure  300  includes a base  302  having an opening  304  through its center. When the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  or  22  is assembled, the base  302  fits on top of the waist assembly  200  or  201 , as can be seen in FIG.  3 . The base includes three tabs  306  that bend upward perpendicular to the rest of the base. 
     The thermal lure  300  includes three concentric cylinders  310 ,  312 ,  314 , each made of aluminum or another highly thermally conductive material. The cylinders shown have circular cross-sections, but their cross sections may take any shape, including but not limited, regular polygons. The innermost cylinder  310  surrounds the flame of the burner tube  202 . The central cylinder  312 , which serves as a shield, is slightly larger in diameter than the inner cylinder  310 , is mounted so that it slightly overlaps the top of the inner cylinder, and extends upward therefrom (see FIG.  8 ). The outer cylinder  314  extends around the inner and central cylinders  310 ,  312 , and is attached at its lower end to the tabs  306  on the base  302 , for example by rivets  318  (FIG.  8 ). A space is defined between the lower end of the outer cylinder  314  and the bottom of the base. 
     Three connector arms  316  connect the three cylinders  310 ,  312 ,  314 . The connector arms  316  are attached at the centers, for example by rivets  320 , to the inner cylinder  310 . A lower part of the connector arms  316  bends outward and downward to connect to the outer cylinder  314 , for example by rivets  322 . The upper portion of the connector arms  316  extends outward and upward to connect to the bottom of the central cylinder  312 , for example by rivets  324 . 
     A baffle  326  is mounted in the top portion of the inner cylinder  310 . The baffle  326  includes three downwardly protruding legs  328  and an upper, circular-shaped top  330  that is shaped similar to the inside of the inner cylinder  310 . A series of air flow holes  332  are spaced around the periphery of the top  330 . The legs  328  of the baffle  326  are attached to the inner surface of the inner cylinder  310 , such as by welding or rivets  334 . When the baffle  326  is attached to the inner cylinder, there is a small gap between the edges of the top  330  and the inner surface of the inner cylinder  310 . 
     A circular inner roof  340  is fitted over the top of the inner cylinder  310 . The circular inner roof includes downwardly extending legs  342  for attachment to the inner surface of the inner cylinder  310 , such as by welding or rivets. As with the top  330  of the baffle  326 , a series of air flow holes  344  are spaced around the periphery of the circular inner roof  340 . The circular inner roof  340  is mounted so that there is a small gap between the bottom, outer edges of the top and the top edges of the inner cylinder  310 . 
     The central cylinder  312  includes three upwardly-extending tabs  346  that fit into a cap  348 . The cap  348  includes a series of holes  352  spaced inward from its perimeter and around its periphery. A central hole  354  is located in the center of the cap  348 . When installed, the cap  348  is spaced below the top of the outer cylinder  314 , and slightly inward from the sides of the outer cylinder. 
     The outer cylinder  314  includes a pair of inwardly-extending tabs  350  at its upper end. An elongate indentation  356  extends along one side of the outer cylinder  314 . 
     When a flame is burning in the burner tube  202 , the flame is located within the inner cylinder  310 . The flame emits heat in the form of radiation and hot exhaust gases. The radiant heat is mostly absorbed by the inner cylinder  310  and the baffle  326 . The heat in the baffle  326  is transferred downwardly, via conduction through the arms  328 , to the inner cylinder  310 . Thus, the radiant heat mostly is transferred to the inner cylinder  310 . Some of this radiant heat is transferred upwardly, via the connector arms  316 , to the central cylinder  312 . More of the heat is transferred to the outermost cylinder  314  from the inner cylinder  310  by the thermally-conductive connector arms  316 . In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the connector arms  316  extend to the bottom of the outer cylinder  314 , so that heat may rise to the top of the outer cylinder and the outer surface of the outer cylinder maintains a substantially constant temperature. 
     The central cylinder  312 , the baffle  326 , and the inner roof  340  work together to dissipate the exhaust of the flame, by moving some of the exhaust sideways out of the thermal lure and mixing it with ambient air. Ambient air enters the thermal lure  300  via the holes  352  in the cap  348 , through the gaps between the base  302  and the inner and outer cylinders  310 ,  314 . The baffle  326  cools exhaust by forcing it sideways. The heat of the exhaust is partially absorbed by the baffle  326 , and partly by the inner cylinder  310 . The movement of the exhaust also makes it mix with ambient air, which cools the exhaust. The exhaust that escapes around the edges of the baffle  326  flows into the area between the inner roof  340  and the baffle, where more of the heat is absorbed by the inner roof, the baffle, and the inner cylinder  310 , and further mixing with ambient air occurs. The heat in these elements is partly dissipated by the size of the inner cylinder  310  and its contact with ambient air, and partly by conduction via the conductive arms  316 . 
     Exhaust that flows around the perimeter of the inner roof  340  flows into the central cylinder. Some of the heat of that exhaust is dissipated in the central cylinder, and some in the cap  348 . Further mixing with ambient air occurs. The exhaust then has one exit upward-the central hole  354  in the cap  348 . The heat of the cap  348  flow partly into the central cylinder via conduction through contact, and is partly dissipated by contact with ambient air. The heat in the central cylinder is dissipated mostly by ambient air. 
     The outer cylinder  314  is heated by conduction through the conductive arms  316  and by any heated air/exhaust that flows from the inner and central cylinders  310 ,  312 . The conductive arms  316  transfer heat to the bottom of the outer cylinder  314 , where it may naturally travel upward, creating a uniform heat pattern on the outside of the outer cylinder  314 . Because all exhaust and heated air does not exit the same location, a hot spot is avoided for the thermal lure  300 . In addition, the baffle  326 , the inner roof  340 , the cap  348 , and the central cylinder  312 , because they do not contact the outer cylinder  314 , may dissipate some of the heat through convection and contact with ambient air. These elements also help to mix the exhaust with ambient air, increasing heat dissipation and further reducing the possibility of a hot spot being formed on the outer cylinder  314 . 
     Although in the embodiment shown the flame is located within the thermal lure  300 , the flame may be located below or near the thermal lure. However, if not located in the thermal lure, it is important that the flame be shielded so that it does not create a hot spot for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 . Thus, if the flame is adjacent to the thermal lure  300  (i.e., located so that the flame can heat the thermal lure), appropriate shielding or insulation should be used to avoid the flame creating a hot spot. 
     It can be understood that only a small flame is needed to maintain the thermal lure  300  between 95 and 115 degrees. In fact, for the embodiment shown, during operation, the flame in the burner tube preferably burns between 300 and 400 BTU&#39;s per hour when operated at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and more preferably burns  345  to  355  BTU&#39;s per hour at that temperature. Thus, the regulator  210  is preferably designed so that it may emit a very small, continuous stream of propane from the small propane tank  106 . 
     The octenol strip  400  is shown in FIGS. 7 and 13. In general, the octenol strip  400  may supply any insect attracting chemical, but in a preferred embodiment supplies octenol. The octenol strip  400  shown in FIG. 13 is supplied with an octenol chemical solution  402  in a tray  404  having a handle  406  (FIG.  7 ), in the form of an indentation on the rear of the tray, at one end. The octenol strip  400  is supplied with a foil cover  408  that seals the octenol chemical solution during shipping and storage. The foil cover  408  is shown in a partial stage of removal in FIG.  13 . 
     A holder, in the drawing shown as a track  410  (FIG.  7 ), is provided for mounting the octenol strip  400  on the side of the thermal lure  300 . The track  410  is mounted on the outer surface of the outer cylinder  314  for the thermal lure  300 , for example by rivets  412 . The tract  410  includes grooves  414  along each side for receiving the edges of the octenol tray  404 . When installed, the octenol strip  400  extends in the track  410  and is held by the grooves  414  on the sides of the track  410 . The bottom of the octenol strip  400  rests on the top of the waist assembly  200 , or may be supported by a protrusion (not shown) or other surface in the bottom of the track  410 . 
     The octenol chemical solution  402  is formulated so that it slowly releases octenol as a result of exposure to air. Heat increases the release of octenol from the octenol chemical solution  402 , such as heat supplied by the thermal lure  300 . In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is enough octenol in the octenol chemical solution  402 , and the release is at such a rate, that it takes at least 2 weeks to evaporate under the operating temperature of the thermal lure  300 . The octenol chemical solution  402  may be, for example, one of many existing octenol lures produced by BioSensory Insect Control Corporation of Willimantic, Conn., such as is described in BioSensory&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,436, incorporated herein by reference. BioSensory&#39;s octenol is dissolved in a wax matrix. The wax matrix allows the octenol release to be a function of temperature—not humidity. The octenol track may be, for example, 0.4 inch thick, 1.5 inch wide and 7.25 inch long. A flange {fraction (3/16)} inch wide (included in the 1.5 inch width) and {fraction (1/10)} inch thick on each side engages the grooves  414  in the track  410 . The octenol chemical solution  402  fills the recess formed in the tray. Other formulations and volumes of the octenol chemical solution  402  may be used. 
     In use, a user removes the foil cover  408  from the tray  402 , and inserts the octenol strip  400  into the track  410 . The octenol in the octenol chemical solution  402  immediately begins evaporating, but at a slow rate. The octenol evaporates at a higher rate when the thermal lure  300  is at operating temperature, but preferably lasts a time which is roughly equivalent to the time for the propane in the small propane tank to be used, for example, two weeks. 
     The sticky adhesive assembly  500  is shown in detail in FIG.  10 . In the embodiment shown, a base ring  504  is provided that includes a number (in the embodiment shown, eight) of tray mounts  506  thereon. The tray mounts  506  each extend perpendicularly upward from the base ring  504 , and include notches  507  at their outer, distal edges. A pair of tray supports  508  are attached on opposite sides of the base ring  504 , and extend perpendicularly thereto. Each tray support  508  includes a pair of rails  509 , one each of which extends along an opposite side of the support. The tray rails  508  are attached in a suitable manner to the base ring  504 , for example by inserting a bottom flange  510  that extends into a slot  512  in the base ring  504 , and may be attached by welding or by press-fitting. The base ring  504  is attached to the top of the waist assembly  200 , for example by fasteners or welding. 
     Turning now to FIG. 9A, the adhesive trays  502  shown in that drawing is generally rectangular-shaped, and each include two creases  514  extending along their height. The adhesive trays  502  may be formed, for example, of plastic or another suitable material. The creases  514  divide the trays  502  into three panels  516 , each of which includes a shallow indentation  518  for receiving an adhesive substance  520 . A protrusion  522  extends through the center of each of the shallow indentations  518  for helping to hold adhesive substance  520  in the indentation  518 . The top edges of each of the panels  516  includes a handle  524  (FIG.  10 ), in the form of a recessed indentation. 
     The side edges of the adhesive trays  502  include guides  530 . The guides  530  in the shown embodiment are offset concave flanges that extend the length of the edges of the adhesive trays  502 , and the concave portions of which face one another. 
     The adhesive trays  502  are preferably supplied with a quantity of adhesive (the adhesive substance  520 ) in each of the shallow indentations  512 . The adhesive substance  520  may be, for example, mixtures of gum, rubber and mineral oil, polybutenes, mixtures of wax and resins, an unhardened glue, a sticky rosin material, fly paper, plastic containing large amounts of plasticizer, or similar sticky materials. Preferably, the adhesive on the adhesive trays  502  maintains its stickiness at the operating temperatures of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 , for example, at 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the adhesive should not flow at the operating temperatures, lest the adhesive would run off of the adhesive trays  502  during operation. The adhesive should have sufficient tack so that a bug lighting on the adhesive would stick and could not fly away. Also, the adhesive should be able to withstand weather conditions, such as cold, rain, or wind. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the adhesive substance  520  is a mixture of paraffin oil, hydrocarbon resin, and styrene polymer. However, as described above, several other formulations may be used. 
     In use, a backing (not shown, but known in the art) is removed from the adhesive substance  520  on the adhesive trays  502 , and the trays are folded along the creases  510  into trifold, half-hexagon shapes. The two halves are aligned on opposite sides of the thermal lure with the adhesive substance  520  facing outward (FIG.  10 ), and are installed on the sticky adhesive assembly  500  by aligning the guides  520  on the adhesive trays  502  with the rails  509  by placing the first opposing concave guides on each edge of the adhesive tray on one side of the of the tray rails  508  and sliding the sliding the adhesive trays  502  onto the rails so that the opposing guides pass on alternate sides of the rails, and are centered against the sides of the rails and hold the adhesive tray in place. The bottoms of the adhesive trays  502  rest against the notches  507  on the tray mounts  506 . 
     Other configurations may be used for the guides, such as flanges that extend down the length of both of the sides of the adhesive tray, or small flanges at opposite ends of the trays. Any structure that maintains the adhesive trays  402  in position adjacent to the thermal lure  300  may be used. 
     An alternative embodiment of an adhesive tray  540  is shown in FIG.  9 B. For that embodiment, the overall shape of the tray is virtually the same, including the guides  542  and the handles  544 , but the adhesive material  546  in this embodiment is a single sheet of a tacky material, and extends through the crease lines. In this manner, greater coverage of adhesive is provided on the outside surface of the adhesive tray  540 . 
     The top assembly  600  is shown in detail in FIGS. 1,  2 , and  11 . A cage  602 , formed for example of wire steel, is provided that extends around the top of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 . The cage  602  prevents accidental contact with the adhesive trays  502 , but easily allows the passage of biting insects therethrough. Three ribs  604  extend along edges of the cage  602 , and are attached to the top of the waist assembly  200  in a suitable manner, such as by fasteners or tabs. The cage  602  includes three threaded connecters  606  extending from a top edge thereof. A thermal hat  608  is attached to the top of the cage  602 , and includes holes  610  that extend over the connectors. Flanges  612  on the top end of the ribs  604  also include holes that fit on the connectors  606 . A female threaded fastener, such as a nut, may be used to connect the flanges  612  and the thermal hat to the top of the cage  602 . 
     The thermal hat  608  includes a series of holes  614  around its periphery, and spaced inward from its perimeter. Slots  616  are spaced inwardly from the holes  614 , and a central hole  618  is centered between the slots  616 . When the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  is assembled, the thermal hat  608  rests just over the thermal lure  300 , and is attached to the tabs  350  on the outer cylinder. The thermal hat  608  is preferably formed of a thermally-conductive material, such as aluminum, and aids in heat dissipation of the exhaust in the thermal lure  300 . The holes  614  and  618  aid in air and exhaust mixture, further aiding in heat dissipation, and permit the exhaust to exit over the adhesive trays  502 . 
     When the adhesive trays  502  are installed, they are inserted into the slots  616 , and onto the rails  509 . During operation of the thermal lure  300 , the heat emanating from the outer cylinder  314  heats the adhesive trays  502 . Preferably, it is the outside surface of the adhesive trays that is maintained at a insect lure temperature range, as described below. To this end, the adhesive trays  502  are part of the thermal lure  300 . 
     A cap ring baffle  620  is attached over the thermal hat  608 , and a cap ring  622  fits over the cap ring baffle. A cap  624  is hinged to the cap ring  622 , for example by a hinge plate  626 . The cap  624  includes a grip  627  for aiding in opening of the cap. A handle  628  is also attached to the cap ring  622 , for example by pins  630  that extend into slots  632  in the cap ring. The handle  628  may include front and rear gripping portions  634 ,  636  for aiding in gripping the handle. Alternatively, only the wire handle may be provided, or other structures may be provided for carrying the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 . 
     Further baffling may be incorporated into the cap  624  to avoid hot spots in the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 . For example, upper and lower baffles  640 ,  642  may be mounted in the underside of the cap  624  to aid in exhaust dissemination. The upper baffle  640  is a plate that is contoured to fit into the upper, underside of the cap  624 . The lower baffle  642  is a circular-shaped plate that includes protrusions  644  on its top for spacing the upper baffle  640  from the upper baffle. Each of these elements and the cap  624  and cap ring  622  are preferably made of a thermally-conductive material, such as aluminum or steel. The exhaust exiting the thermal hat  608  hits the lower surface of the lower baffle  642 . The thermal conductivity of the lower baffle  642  absorbs much of the heat remaining in the exhaust, and projections  644  transfer some of the absorbed heat to the upper baffle  640 , which in turn transfers heat to the cap  624  and the cap ring  622 . The upper and lower baffles  640 ,  642  and the cap  624  and cap ring  622  thus act as heat sinks, where much of the remaining heat in the exhaust may be dissipated. The baffles  640 ,  642  partially shield the cap  642 , preventing the cap  642  from being heated to high, and avoiding a hot spot on the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 . 
     Raising the cap  624  provides access to the adhesive trays  502  and the octenol strip  400 . In this manner, the adhesive trays  502  may be readily replaced, when for example they become filled with biting insects, or when they become dirty. In addition, the octenol strip  400  may be replaced when the octenol in the strip has evaporated. 
     The handle  628  provides a mechanism by which the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  may be easily carried, even while in operation. In this manner, the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  may be placed in a desired place or may be removed when it is in the way. 
     The mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  provides an inexpensive solution for the control of mosquitoes and biting insects. It is fully portable, and thus may be used in camping and boating environments. The embodiment of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  22  shown in FIG. 2 may have its legs removed or folded, along with the small propane tank  106 , permitting the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  22  to be stored in a box and transported, for example, to a camp area. 
     The inventors have found that the small propane tank  106  provides sufficient fuel for the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  to operate about 3 hours a day for approximately two weeks. If desired, as described above, the octenol strip  400  may be sized and arranged so that the octenol on the octenol strip  400  evaporate in approximately the same amount of time. Thus, maintenance of the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  would require only that the small propane tank  106  be replaced or refilled, and that the octenol strip  400  be replaced, once every two weeks. Occasional replacement of the adhesive trays  502  may also be needed, especially where the trays are full of mosquitoes or other biting insects, or when the trays become dirty. 
     The thermal lure  300 , the chemical biting insect attractant (e.g., the octenol in the octenol strip  400 ), and the CO2 generated by the burner tube  202  simulate a small animal, thus attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects to the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 . Thus attracted, the mosquitoes and biting insects stick to the adhesive in the adhesive trays  502 , where they die and can be removed by replacing the adhesive trays  502 . 
     The baffles, connector arms, and other heat transfer and dissipation elements of the thermal lure  300  and the top assembly  600  assure that the outside temperature of the adhesive trays  502  are substantially constant. As used herein, “substantially constant” means that the surfaces fall within a range, preferably a biting insect lure range, for example similar to that of a small animal, such as within the range of 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The substantially constant heat signature or footprint is desirable for attracting mosquitoes and other biting insects. In summary, combustion in the burner tube  202  burns in the inner cylinder  310 . The baffle  326  and the inner roof  340  direct exhaust outward and mix the exhaust with ambient air, which enters through the gap between the outer cylinder  314  and the base ring  302 . The mixture of exhaust and ambient air travels upward through the central cylinder  312 , and travels upward through the hole  354  in the cap  348 . There the exhaust is further mixed with ambient air, which is supplied through the holes  352  around the periphery of the cap  348 . The mixture of exhaust and air travels upward through the central hole  618  in the thermal hat  608 , where it encounters the cap  624  and cap ring  622  and their baffles  620 ,  642 ,  640 , is forced downward through the holes  614  at the periphery of the thermal hat  608 . Each of the elements which the exhaust comes in contact is thermally conductive, and acts as a thermal sink to prevent hot spots. 
     Thus, the exhaust of the flame in the burner tube  202 , having CO2 therein, exits out of the holes  614  in the thermal hat  608  and over the surface of the adhesive trays  502 . This CO2 and the octenol produced by the octenol strip  400  attract mosquitoes and biting insects from far distances. The mosquitoes and biting insects are further attracted to the heat of the adhesive trays  502 , supplied by the thermal lure  300 , and specifically by the outer cylinder  314 . In this manner, the outer surface of the adhesive trays  502  is the outermost surface of the thermal lure  300 , and the surface to which the insects are attracted. The attraction is not diminished, because the structure of the thermal lure  300  causes the outer surface of the outer cylinder  314 , and therefore the adhesive trays  502 , to maintain a substantially constant temperature. Moreover, as the exhaust is cooled as it flows through the thermal lure  300  and the cap  624  and the cap ring  622  so that it is emitted out the holes  618  in the thermal cap  608  at the substantially constant temperature. 
     The structure of the thermal lure  300  may be modified as necessary, but preferably is configured to provide the substantially constant temperature at its outside surface. For example, two or more of the elements may be formed as one element, or one or more of the elements may not be used at all. However, the inventor have found that the structure of the thermal lure  300  shown and described works particularly well for providing the substantially constant temperature. 
     The control knob  216  provides an adjustment mechanism for adjustment of the amount of combustion within the burner tube  202 . The inventors have found that the flame needed for maintaining the correct heat signature on the surface of the thermal lure  300  is largely dependent upon the ambient temperature. For example, when the ambient temperature is lower, such as 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the amount of flame needed to keep the outside surface of the thermal lure  300  between 95 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit is more than that needed when the temperature is 90 degrees. Thus, to aid a user in setting the flame of the burner tube  202  to the correct height, the indicia  232  are provided. A user simply rotates the indicator  234  of the control knob  216  to match the current ambient temperature, and the propane flow and therefore the flame height are properly set. The change in flow of propane is minor, but overcomes the difference in outer temperature of the adhesive trays  502  that may be caused by varied outside temperatures. As one example, the BTU output of the burner tube may be 350 BTU at 70 degrees, and  200  BTU at 100 degrees. 
     FIG. 14 shows an electrical diagram  700  for an operating indicator that may be used with the present invention. The operating indicator includes a battery  702 , such as a pair of D-cell batteries, wired to a light  702 , such as a light bulb. A thermal switch  706  is wired in the circuit with the battery  702  and the light  704 . The battery  702  may be mounted in, for example, the waist assembly  200  or  202 . The thermal switch  706  is preferably mounted above the burner tube  202 , or in the vicinity of the thermal lure, and is positioned in a “normally opened” position. When the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20  is at an operating temperature, e.g., 95 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, the thermal switch closes, closing the circuit, and allowing the lamp  704  to light. The light  704  may be mounted in a conspicuous location, such as on top of the cap ring  622 . The operating indicator may be used to indicate that a flame in the burner tube  202  has not gone out, for example in high winds or when the propane has been expended. 
     Other killing or trapping mechanisms may be used with the mosquito and biting insect attracting apparatus  20 . For example, in FIG. 15, a bug elimination mechanism  800  is shown including a bug zapper  802 , such as an electrified grid. The electrified grid  802  is wired to a power source, which may be batteries, solar, or an AC source. A switch  806  in the circuit turns the zapper grid “on.” The electrified grid  802  may be mounted in place of the sticky adhesive assembly  500 , so that it may eliminate bugs as they try to approach the thermal lure  300 . 
     If the electrified grid  802  is used, then the outer surface of the thermal lure  300  is the outer cylinder  314  instead of the outside surfaces of the adhesive trays  502 . Accordingly, less combustion is needed in the thermal lure  300  to obtain and maintain the substantially constant temperature at the outer surface, because there is not the associated temperature drop due to the insulating nature of the adhesive trays  502 . The inventors estimate that the adhesive trays  502 , when spaced about ¼ inch from the outer cylinder  314 , cause a temperature drop from the outer cylinder  314  of approximately 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.