How does Termination Station Work?Updated 2 years ago
The Mechanism (How It Works)
BugMD Termination Station uses warm light to lure in and trap a variety of insects. Many common household bugs are naturally attracted to heat.
Fleas, Ticks, and Other Bugs are Attracted to Heat
Heat emitting objects are perceived as a potential host or food source - Aside from the natural tendency of insects to be drawn towards heat sources, some insects regard heat as a signal of a potential host or food source. Some parasitic insects feed on the blood of mammals like humans or pets which produces body heat. The heat from light bulbs mimic the heat of living organisms that can lure some biting insects such as fleas and ticks.
Positive thermotaxis - Thermotaxis refers to the behavioral reaction of organisms in relation to temperature change. Some insects are naturally drawn towards heat. This phenomenon is called positive thermotaxis. There are a variety of insects that are biologically hard-wired to get attracted to heat. The behavior is believed to be genetically inherited and is integral to the propagation of their species.
Insects are also known to be poikilothermic species. This means that they regulate their body temperature based on the temperature of their environment. Usually, during cold nights, some insects can be drawn toward heat sources so they can regulate their body temperature.
Some Insects are Attracted to Warm Light
BugMD Termination Station’s C7 bulb emits a wavelength and intensity that common household insects are sensitive to. Once they’re lured, the inescapable, ultra-sticky PermaGlue trap awaits them inside the dome.
There are different reasons that insects are lured towards light. These reasons also vary for different species of insect. However, there are three main theories describing the phenomenon.
Light as safety beacon and navigational guide - One theory is that insects use light as a guide to their escape route. They instinctively head towards the light because they are able to see that the way does not have obstacles or there are no predators around. Plus, some insects associate light with safety because light sources are usually situated higher above the ground where there are less predators.7
Light emitting objects are perceived as potential areas for food sources - There are also theories suggesting that insects confuse light sources as flowers which are a food source for some insects. This could mean the flower itself or other insects that may be foraging for food.
Natural attraction to light or Positive Phototaxis - According to a 2013 study, depending on the wavelength and intensity of light, insects can either move towards or away from an illuminated source.8 Their attraction or movement to light is called Positive Phototaxis. Their phototactic behavior is guided by two types of photoreceptive organs (compound eyes and ocelli) with specific spectral sensitivities.
Positive phototaxis among insects refers to the innate or natural response of being attracted to light sources. It is believed that some insects are hard-wired to be drawn towards light, and the reaction is biologically programmed. This trait among insects are genetically inherited, and are deemed important in the propagation of their species.
Some Insects Have Swarming Behavior
Some species of bugs have the tendency to swarm for a number of reasons. Swarming can be because of mating, defense mechanism, or sourcing for food.
Reproduction - The most common swarming behavior among insects can be attributed to their urge to reproduce. Some insects go outside their nests to mate with the same species of insects to ensure their genetic mixing which strengthens their species.
Security - Insects also have a tendency to swarm for security reasons. Some species rely on the strategy of having “safety in numbers.”
Potential food source - There are also insects that prey on other insects. As smaller prey insects swarm around light or heat sources, this also attracts other insects that eat them.15
Ultra-strong Adhesive
Another feature of the trap that contributes to its effectiveness is the inclusion of a double-strength adhesive. BugMD utilizes PermaGlue, which is an ultra-strong adhesive that instantly captures fleas, ticks, and other bugs walking on it and securely holds on to them after disposal.