SAGEBRUSH COMPANY
www.sagebrushco.com
METAL FLY AND YELLOW JACKET TRAPS FOR OUTDOOR USE
All traps currently manufactured by the Sagebrush Company are of the cone style design. The operation of these traps is based upon a two step process. First: the fly or yellow jacket enters the trap in an effort to access an odorous bait. Second: when the fly is finished with the bait, the fly travels towards the predominate light source into a containment from which it cannot escape. This is the principle of operation for most flytraps for our door use that are currently on the market.
Two designs are currently available. Click on the model you would like to see for the visual:
The following is a description of how the traps are constructed:
Model S3 is a 12 3/4" diameter sheet metal cylinder with holes around the base to allow fly entry and access to an odorous bait. Inside the cylinder is a screen cone with a hole in the top that allows the fly to pass from the bait towards the light that enters from the top of the trap. The trap is covered with a screen top that forms a containment above the cone where the flies are trapped and die. The top is attached with a hose clamp that allows removal of the top for emptying the trap. Model S3 includes a handle and is built so that it will form a cover for a typical 12" diameter plastic bucket (not included).
Model H1 is a 5 3/4" diameter version with a handle designed for hanging the trap and a clip on bottom that prevents bait theft by animals like squirrels, skunks, rodents, dogs, and cats.
All traps are constructed from aluminum screen, zinc plated (galvanized) steel, and a stainless steel hose clamp. The hose clamps on Models H1 and S3 are large enough so that a piece of clear plastic can be placed between the screen top and the hose clamp to prevent rain or sprinkler water from flooding the bait if that is a problem.
Our experience is limited to northern California and the instructions that currently accompany the traps are written for the arid western United States climate.
In general, Model H1 is best for catching yellow jackets because they can be easily caught using any odorous meat scraps and the hanging design with the clip on bottom prevents bait theft by most animals. Many customers like to bait with dried cat food. It is recommended that the bait be placed in a cat food or tuna fish can (not included) so that it can be moistened.
In mountainous regions good results catching flies have been observed using salami peals, spoiled shrimp, and canned mackerel. Sometimes in very dry areas flies can be captured with a wet rag used for bait.
In the presence of horses or livestock, meat baits may not be effective and commercial baits need to be used. Farnan Brand Fly Attractant works well with Model S3 around horses. Fly control should start early in the season before the flies get out of control. At least one insectary (www.rinconvitova.com) uses Sagebrush Co. fly traps to compliment parasitic wasps for the control of flies in locations like horse tracks, livestock yards, and zoos.
In hot arid climates the baits dry out unless there is a lot of fluid. For this reason Model S3 works well because it fits over a five gallon bucket. The evaporation rate is relatively high so the vapor plume is substantial and access into the trap is also easy so it works quite well. For example, at a horse ranch in Davis California during the summer, half a bottle of Farnan Fly Attractant was placed in five gallons of water. After three weeks the fluid level dropped half way down the bucket before the bait started loosing effectiveness. Presumably, the extreme heat decomposes the bait so it needs to be replaced. The trap filled with flies a couple times. For good performance, traps baited with the Farnan Fly Attractant need to be located where the flies are gathering. For example, during the summer in Davis, CA, a Model S3 trap placed on the East side of a horse barn was much more effective than traps placed in other locations. We believe that the reason for this is that in the mornings the flies like the morning sun on the East side of the barn. During the mid day heat, the flies moved into the shade of the open barn. In the afternoon the flies returned to the East side of the barn as the shadows passed back over the location of the Model S3 trap. By contrast, the West side of the barn was probably too cold in the mornings and too hot in the afternoons. Traps baited with meat baits seam less sensitive to location and need only be located where sun light can enter the top of the trap.
Ordering Information:
Individual H1 and S3 traps can be shipped anywhere in the United States by priority mail. Model H1 can also be shipped in boxes of four (4). For bulk orders please inquire and provide us with your shipping address. Payment can be made with check or money order. Sorry, no credit cards. You can make a copy of our order form and send it to our P.O. Box.