Volunteer Needed: Insect Light Trap
The Maine Forest Service is looking for a volunteer in the greater Schoodic area to operate an “insect light trap†from mid-June to mid-August. The operation of the trap is quite simple and all materials and instructions associated with the project are supplied by the Forest Service. There is also a $200 stipend provided to offset electricity costs associated with operating the light.
Operation of the light trap involves plugging the light in every night and unplugging it every morning. A can under the light contains a pest strip which collects the bugs and needs to be emptied each morning. Collected bugs are placed on a newspaper to dry (usually about 30 minutes) then put in a box with cotton batting (supplied by the Forest Service) along with a piece of paper with the date of collection. Subsequent days collections are layered on top of one another with cotton batting until the box is filled and the box is then mailed to the Forest Service (postage is covered).
This is a long-standing program conducted by the Maine Forest Service and provides important information on population changes of a variety of pest species in the state as well as detecting new pest species to Maine. Light traps are currently being operated at over 25 locations throughout the state.
The trap should be set up in a forested location and should be free from competing light sources. The Forest Service also asks that you be able to collect specimens on a daily basis. This is a great project for anyone interested in insects, or in helping the state protect its natural resources. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, contact:
Charlene Donahue
Forest Entomologist
Insect & Disease Laboratory
48 Hospital Street
Augusta, Maine 04330
Voice: (207)287-3244
Fax: (207)287-2432
Email: Charlene.Donahue@maine.gov