Apparatus and method for reducing populations of mosquitoes and the like

The apparatus has a drainable basin (2) for retaining a liquid, typically water, preferably augmented by insect attractant(s). The basin has a drain (6) at a lower portion thereof, with a valve (7) to open or close the drain. The drain leads to a filter (8) which removes eggs and larvae from the liquid when the basin is drained by opening the valve. The liquid passing through the filter is collected in a reservoir (3), from which the filtered liquid may be pumped back up to refill the basin. The apparatus preferably may use a variety of standard containers, the container (4) then acting as the reservoir. Preferably, one or more insect attractant means are employed, including various chemical attractants and light, as well as natural attractants. Vents (30) from the reservoir release attractants concentrated in the reservoir, into the area of the basin. Two or more units may have their reservoirs connected to each other, or may share a common reservoir. In operation, the basin is filled with liquid, preferably with one or more attractants being employed, and the liquid remains in the basin for a period of time for eggs and larvae to accumulate, but not long enough to mature. The basin is then drained through the filter into the reservoir. The basin is then refilled from the reservoir and the cycle begins again. Optionally, the apparatus may be automated, and the method may be carried out automatically with only periodic maintenance.