Vol. 36, no. 1
Journal of Vector Ecology
221
Scientific Note
A trial using rechargeable batteries to run mosquito light traps
José G. B. Derraik and Rosemary K. Barraclough
Disease and Vector Research Group, Institute of Natural Sciences,
Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
Received 30 March 2010; Accepted 15 April 2010
Light traps are important tools in mosquito research
as well as for monitoring vector populations. There are a
number of different types and models of such traps, which
may be baited with a variety of chemical combinations.
In New Zealand and Australia, one trap model that
seems to be widely used is a modified New Jersey trap
(model E67-PR101, Australian Entomological Supplies
Pty Ltd., Bangalow, NSW, Australia), which is compact
and lightweight (Figure 1). When empty, all of its parts
fit into the main cylindrical chamber (210 mm high x 180
mm in diameter), being consequently easily transported
to remote locations. The trap is designed for baiting with
carbon dioxide as dry ice, and two D-size batteries provide
the energy supply to run a small light bulb and fan. As
per the manufacturer’s recommendations (Australian
Entomological Supplies, 2010), alkaline D-size batteries
should be used rather than rechargeable ones.
Figure 1. Dry-ice-baited adult trap employed in the trials.
Studies have shown that the environmental impacts
associated with rechargeable NiMH batteries are extensively
reduced in comparison to disposable batteries (Lankey and
McMichael 2000, Bio Intelligence Service 2007, Parsons
2007). In the developing world in particular, where
resources are limited and current levels of environmental
degradation generally greater, it would be desirable to use
rechargeable batteries in light traps to reduce costs and
minimize dumping of toxic materials into the environment.
For example, the use of alkaline batteries was both an
environmental and economic issue during avian malaria
work in Madagascar (R.K.B. personal observation). As a
result, this trial aimed to test whether rechargeable batteries
are capable of supplying sufficient energy to run mosquito
light traps overnight.
This study focused primarily on NiMH batteries due
to their advantages over the older NiCd models, including
increased performance and capacity, and the absence of
a memory effect (Maxell 2009). Further, cadmium is a
hazardous metal that is highly toxic to the environment
and human health (Fleischer et al. 1974). However, since
many still use NiCd batteries, one set of such batteries was
also included in the trial. Three types of D batteries were
therefore tested: NiCd Kingneed 5,000 mAh, and NiMH
Camelion 7,000 and 10,000 mAh. Traps were set for exactly
12 consecutive h, and a total of ten trials was run for each
set of batteries.
Trials were also run with rechargeable NiMH AA
batteries, as D batteries are bulkier, heavier, and more
expensive. Since AA cells are much smaller, specific adapters
(Camelion Holdings Inc, Miami, FL, U.S.A.) were used to
Figure 2. D-size adapter for AA batteries.
Journal of Vector Ecology
222
Table 1. Range of rechargeable batteries tested and their
respective success rates to run dry-ice-baited light traps for
12 consecutive h.
Size
Type
AA
NiMH
D
NiCD
NiMH
Capacity
(mAh)
Brand
Success
Rate
2,100
2,450
2,700
5,000
7,000
10,000
Panasonic
Energizer
Camelion
Kingneed
Camelion
Camelion
0/10
0/10
0/10
6/10
10/10
10/10
appropriately fit them into the D-size trap compartments
(Figure 2). Each adapter consists of a lightweight hollow
plastic cylinder, into which an AA battery can be inserted
(Figure 2). Three different NiMH AA batteries were
tested: Panasonic 2,100 mAh, Energizer 2,450 mAh, and
Camelion 2,700 mAh. All batteries were charged using a
Powertech Universal Battery Charger (MB-3545) as per the
manufacturer’s specifications.
All AA batteries tested failed to run a trap for 12
consecutive h (Table 1). The D-size NiCd batteries provided
irregular results, and although they successfully ran the
traps most nights, they failed to do so in four out of ten
trials (Table 1). In contrast, both D-size NiMH batteries
tested showed good performance with a 100% success rate
(Table 1).
The length of time during which AA batteries were able
to keep the trap running varied considerably (Figure 3). The
worst performance was achieved by 2,100 mAh batteries,
which ran the trap for only 3 h in three out of the five
trials (Figure 3). Although both the 2,450 and 2,700 mAh
June 2011
batteries were able to run the traps for as long as 7 h, their
performance was very inconsistent (Figure 3).
The results show that high capacity D-size NiMH
batteries can effectively run the dry-ice-baited adult traps
tested. Thus, considerable savings can be made by the
adoption of NiMH batteries instead of disposable batteries,
as well as reducing the impact on the environment. It should
be pointed out that it seems to be a myth that 1.2 volt NiMH
batteries have insufficient voltage to be used in equipment
designed for 1.5 volt alkaline cells (Lewallen 2007). NiMH
batteries actually appear to outperform alkaline ones
in equipment with moderate to high current drainage,
delivering higher voltage during discharge and greater total
energy (Lewallen 2007).
An obvious impediment for the use of rechargeable
batteries in remote areas is that power outlets to run the
chargers are unlikely to be available. However, there are
solar-powered battery trickle chargers available, which have
been regularly used in New Zealand during research in
offshore islands (Graham Ussher, personal communication).
In addition, some chargers can be run from car lighters and
computer USB ports. Nonetheless, the reduced long-term
costs and environmental impacts associated with NiMH
batteries are clearly advantageous.
The smaller capacity of AA batteries meant that they
were unable to run the traps for the required 12-h period.
However, in view of the increasing demand for NiMH
batteries (nowadays regularly used in digital cameras), the
technology is steadily improving and it is likely that there will
be AA batteries with considerably increased capacity in the
near future. In the meantime, if one is running experiments
for which traps need to be checked every couple of hours
(e.g., circadian rhythms), the larger capacity AA batteries
Figure 3. Number of hours during which a range of NiMH AA batteries were capable of running a dry-ice-baited light trap
over five trials.
Journal of Vector Ecology
Vol. 36, no. 1
are certainly an attractive option, as these could be replaced
frequently without compromising the experiment.
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H.T. Shacklette, I.C. Nisbet, and S. Epstein. 1975.
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