Automated pest-trapping device

1 . A pest-trapping device comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a catch mechanism sized to fully cover the frame, wherein the catch mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position;

(c) an optical sensor for detecting presence of a pest; and

(d) an actuator for moving the catch mechanism from the first position to the second position in response to the optical sensor detecting presence of a pest.

2 . The pest-trapping device of claim 1 , wherein the catch mechanism is a net.

3 . The pest-trapping device of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises:

(a) a latch mechanism for maintaining the catch mechanism in the first position when the latch mechanism is in a latched condition;

(b) a solenoid for holding the latch mechanism in the latched condition and for releasing the latch mechanism upon detection of a pest by the optical detector; and

(c) at least one spring for driving the catch mechanism from the first position to the second position when the latch mechanism is released.

4 . The pest-trapping device of claim 3 , wherein the latch mechanism comprises:

(a) an arm having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the arm is connected to the solenoid;

(b) a hook connected to the second end of the arm; and

(c) a loop engagable with the hook.

5 . The pest-trapping device of claim 1 , wherein the frame is between about 18 inches by about 18 inches and about 36 inches by about 36 inches in size.

6 . The pest-trapping device of claim 1 , wherein the optical sensor comprises:

(a) a transmitter;

(b) a receiver positioned opposite the transmitter;

(c) an optical beam created between the transmitter and the receiver;

(d) a relay operatively connected to the receiver; and

(e) a solenoid operatively connected to the relay for releasing the catch mechanism from the first position to the second position in response to a signal from the relay.

7 . The pest-trapping device of claim 6 , and further comprising a base connected to the frame.

8 . The pest-trapping device of claim 6 , and further comprising a bait tray positioned over the base.

9 . The pest-trapping device of claim 8 , wherein the optical beam is transmitted over the bait tray.

10 . An automated device for trapping pests, the automated device comprising:

(a) a frame pivotable between a first position and a second position;

(b) a net positioned within the frame;

(c) an infrared (IR) system for detecting presence of a pest and creating a first signal when the presence of a pest is detected;

(d) a latch mechanism for maintaining the frame in the first position and for releasing the frame from the first position in response to the first signal from the IR system; and

(e) a bias force for driving the frame from the first position to the second position when the latch mechanism releases the frame.

11 . The automated device of claim 10 , wherein the bias force comprises at least one spring.

12 . The automated device of claim 10 , and further comprising a notification system for sending a second signal to a remote location when the frame is in the second position.

13 . The automated device of claim 10 , wherein the IR system comprises:

(a) a transmitter;

(b) a receiver positioned opposite the transmitter;

(c) an IR beam created between the transmitter and the receiver;

(d) a relay operatively connected to the receiver; and

(e) a solenoid operatively connected to the relay for releasing the frame from the first position.

14 . The automated device of claim 13 , and further comprising a bait tray positioned on the frame.

15 . The automated device of claim 13 , wherein the relay is switchable between a first position and a second position, and wherein the solenoid releases the frame from the first position in response to the relay switching from the first position to the second position.

16 . A method of trapping pests comprising:

(a) transmitting a continuous optical beam between a transmitter and a receiver;

(b) releasing a latch mechanism in response to a disruption in the optical beam; and

(c) covering an area with a catch mechanism upon release of the latch mechanism.

17 . The method of claim 16 , and further comprising positioning a bait tray within the area and transmitting a continuous optical beam comprises transmitting the optical beam proximate the bait tray.

18 . The method of claim 16 , and further comprising sending a signal to a remote location upon release of the latch mechanism.

19 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the disruption in the optical beam is caused by presence of a pest.

20 . The method of claim 16 , wherein releasing the latch mechanism comprises activating a solenoid.