Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 13, 1995 TAG: 9506130039
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: There's nothing more frustrating than to spend endless hours toiling in the garden, only to lose the harvest to a backyard bandit. Equally annoying are relentless attacks from mosquitoes and other flying insects while you're trying to enjoy an otherwise pleasant evening outdoors. Insects, rodents and other pests can also cause property damage and are known to transmit disease.
Suburban sprawl is a guaranteed formula for conflict between man and nature. While we can never eradicate all the creatures that inconvenience us (nor should we), a number of electronic aides are at our disposal to hold pests at bay. Although I don't consider myself a staunch environmentalist, it doesn't make sense to poison the environment with chemicals, especially when effective alternatives are available.
Just about everyone is familiar with electric bug-zappers. Flying insects are naturally drawn to a black light and summarily zapped as they strike an electrified grid - death by electrocution. You can pick one up at any home and garden center.
New designs muffle that incessant popping noise. One model supplements the attraction light with a low-powered vacuum, reducing the possibility of escape. The force of the vacuum allows the killing grid to be hidden inside an enclosed chamber. Dead insects fall through the bottom onto the lawn. This not only cuts down on maintenance, but is sure to please nearby birds!
Another black-light device silently drowns its victims. The manufacturer advises adding a small amount of liquid detergent in the water tray. This serves to reduce the surface tension of the water. Otherwise, insects could simply do what comes natural - walk across the water.
Is it possible that electrocution could eradicate the cockroach? One company claims its indoor zapper silently kills roaches with electricity. It lures victims onto an enclosed grid with a food tablet. Excuse me, but isn't this playing with fire? Everyone knows that roaches have an uncanny ability to adapt to adversity. Could this lead to Frankenroach - an indestructible creature that thrives on electrical stimulus!?
Ultrasound is the latest weapon in the battle against, well...nearly every pest known to man - ticks, fleas, wasps, flies, mosquitoes, spiders, mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, possums, deer ...even wolves! Ultrasonic pest eliminators emit an irritating sound over a wide frequency range (inaudible to humans). Indoor and outdoor models are available. Most are tuned to target specific types of critters.
One outdoor unit has a built-in motion sensor to extend battery life. It only activates when a creature approaches. If you want to discourage neighborhood pets from visiting your yard, one model emits frequencies as low as 20 kilohertz (dogs and cats hear up to 27 kHz). However, protect your own pets by keeping them indoors while the unit is operating. Solid walls greatly attenuate ultrasound.
Unfortunately, not all products live up to their claims. For example, a prominent entomologist warns that certain types of mosquitoes are not attracted to light. Before investing in any pest control device, make sure you read the claims carefully. Most retailers and manufacturers will refund your money if the product fails to perform as advertised in your own backyard.
To receive a list of companies that manufacture ultrasonic and other electronic pest control devices, please send $1.50 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-517, Department TWN, 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, NC 28278-7927. The list includes toll-free phone numbers and a summary of each company's products.
HomeTech News: Home Intelligence, an Ontario publisher, has produced an eight-page color brochure that clearly explains home control and integrated home systems in layman's terms. For a free copy of "Enhancing the Home," send your written request to: Home Intelligence, P.O. Box 404, Uxbridge, Ontario L9P 1M8, Canada.
by CNB