Since 2020, Giridhar Pai Associates LLP (GPA) has partnered with Pestroniks Innovations Pte. Ltd. to bring you the innovative FLYght UV LED Insect Light Traps (ILTs). With distinct models like the FLYght Duo, FLYght Deco, and FLYght One, these traps offer a unique alternative to conventional UV-fluorescent tube ILTs, prompting many customer inquiries about their effectiveness and functionality.
Recently, we discovered a video interview featuring Tom Holmes, a seasoned expert in the British pest control industry, conducted by Niall Gallagher, Technical and Compliance Manager at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). This conversation offers invaluable insights for pest control operators (PCOs) and end users seeking to understand UV LED ILTs.
Meet Tom Holmes: A Wealth of Expertise in Insect Light Traps
Tom Holmes, the founder of Tom Holmes Consulting, brings two decades of experience in British pest management. His extensive background includes collaborations with leading manufacturers, such as Pelsis, where he specialised in ILTs.
In the interview, Tom delves into the essentials of insect light traps, discussing the reasons behind insect attraction, forthcoming regulations affecting UV fluorescent tubes, and the distinct advantages offered by UV LED ILTs. He also tackles efficacy concerns and the current lack of standardised measures for UV LEDs in the marketplace.
Key Takeaways from Tom’s Discussion on UV LED ILTs
1. Understanding Insect Attraction:
Tom begins by exploring the enigmatic reasons insects are drawn to ILTs. While the exact mechanisms remain somewhat elusive, it’s closely tied to their natural instinct to seek out sunlight. Insects may interpret UV light as an extension of the sun, leading them toward these artificial light sources. Interestingly, during sunset, insects tend to orient themselves horizontally, potentially replicating this behaviour near ILTs.
2. Regulatory Landscape for UV Fluorescent Tubes:
According to the EC RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, conventional fluorescent tubes face a ban. However, UV fluorescent tubes are permitted until February 2027. The European lighting industry is currently lobbying for a one-year extension, with options for a further delay of one, three, or five years.
Watch the full interview here
3. Advantages of UV LED ILTs:
Cost Efficiency: The video highlights that transitioning to UV LEDs can lead to considerable energy savings—up to £58 per unit each year. For operations utilising multiple traps, this reduction can be substantial.
Sustainability: UV LED ILTs consume less energy and produce less hazardous waste, as they do not contain mercury. Their impressive lifespan—up to three years—also contributes to lower carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and logistics.
Future-Proofing: As the pest control industry anticipates the eventual phase-out of UV fluorescent tubes post-February 2028, exploring alternatives is critical. A decrease in production may increase costs for fluorescent tubes, underscoring the urgency for reliable substitutes like UV LEDs.
Tom also offers critical insights regarding the performance of UV LED ILTs in attracting flies. While some brands can match the efficacy of traditional fluorescent traps, others might fall short of customer expectations.
Various factors influence UV LED performance, including light direction, heat generation, LED lifespan, and the distance UV light can effectively travel.
He also points out the ongoing challenge of compatibility, as manufacturers utilise different sizes and shapes of UV LEDs. Thus, end users will have to rely on the original manufacturer to source UV LEDs for their ILTs.
Q&A Highlights from Tom’s Conversation:
- Regarding the use of glass in ILTs, he notes that it varies by manufacturer; some rely on glass tubes with shatter-proof film for food safety compliance.
- Performance assessments for UV LED ILTs can be gleaned from manufacturer fly catch test reports or obtained through independent testing.
- He advises against placing UV fluorescent and UV LED traps adjacent to one another for comparative evaluation.
- Tom emphasises that UV LED traps generate minimal heat and do not emit bright blue light, which can contribute to the energy inefficiencies associated with traditional fluorescent traps.
- On the topic of glueboards, he mentioned that while some manufacturers use similar glueboards for all ILTs, others differentiate between those designed for fluorescent and UV LED models.
- Finally, he cautioned that while UV light meters can indicate UV output, they may not accurately reflect the effectiveness of a UV LED ILT.
Tom’s insights are not only enlightening but also resonate with our positive experiences marketing FLYght UV LED ILTs, which incorporate many of the key features he discussed.
Why Choose FLYght Traps?
- Enhanced Attraction: The UV LEDs in FLYght Traps are strategically positioned with a bio-Visual (bio-VE+) Enhancer, optimising UV wavelengths and intensity to attract flies effectively.
- Glass-Free Design: FLYght Traps are innovative in that they utilise LEDs instead of glass fluorescent tubes, ensuring a glass-free experience.
- Energy Savings: The FLYght Duo uses only 20% of the electricity consumed by standard 45W UV fluorescent tubes, which are prevalent in India.
- Longevity: With a lifespan of 50,000 hours, FLYght Trap UV LEDs require no replacement for nearly 6.8 years.
By offering a superior alternative to UV fluorescent tube traps, FLYght Traps has established itself as the leading UV LED fly catcher in India.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Contact us today to transition from traditional fly catchers to the innovative FLYght Traps and enhance your pest control solutions!