Monitoring insects with PHEROMONE TRAPS

Dr. Ayanava MajumdarExtension Entomologist

Alabama Cooperative Extension SystemGulf Coast Research & Extension Center

8300 State Hwy 104, Fairhope, Alabama 36532Cell phone: 251-331-8416

PART 3B

Objectives

• Introduction to trapping techniques

• Discuss types of pheromone traps

• Discuss application of pheromone traps

• Discuss integration with other tactics

Insect trapping is easy, fun, & practical!

Types of Insect Traps• Passive traps: do not use a lure of any kind,

e.g., pit-fall traps, ground sticky traps, water traps, flight interception trap (beat sheet)

Pit-fall trap with a metal sheet as hood

Interception trap (can be used with or without light)

Types of Insect Traps• Active traps:

– use a lure of some kind, e.g., food, color, shape, light…PHEROMONES

Dome Fly Trap with liquid bait for mass trapping fruit flies

Light trap

Types of Insect Traps• Active traps (contd.): use a lure of some kind

Active/passive trap: yellow water pan trap

Yellow/white Sticky Trap with grid

Use many traps for accuracy

Ball trap for dipteran flies

Insect Pheromone TrapsSpecial attractive traps for flying insects

What are insect pheromones?• Pheromones are chemicals

released into environment in small amounts by special abdominal glands in insects.

• Pheromones are species specific, may stimulate one gender or all genders.

• Male moths detect pheromones with antennae.

• Synthetic sex pheromones are manufactured & used as lures.

Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantages of Pheromone Traps:

• Are affordable

• If used wisely, can detect low insect populations

• Insect ID not needed

• Easy to install & manage

• Nontoxic, no residue on food

• Can be used season long

Advantages & DisadvantagesDisadvantages of Pheromone Traps:

• May be cumbersome to handle

• Take precautions when handlings (gloves)

• Several traps could difficult to manage

• Knowledge intensive – may need tech support

• Weather sensitive

• Does not tell about plant injury

Parts of a Pheromone Trap

Top section (fixed)

Bottom section (replaceable sticky card with grid)

Metal support

Lure with lure holder

Wing Pheromone Trap

Types of Pheromone TrapsWing Traps

Lure supply: Trece, Scentry, APTIV; trap supply: Great Lakes IPM, Arbico Organics, Gemplers, APTIV

Simple wing trap with grid on sticky bottom

Wing trap with baffles (large trap surface)

These are very popular in IPM due to their easy assemblage, large trap bottom, & low cost of kits!

Suitable for larger moths: armyworm, cutworm, fruitworms

Problem: change of bottom is cumbersome, weather & animals could ruin trap

Types of Pheromone Traps

Lure supply: Trece, Scentry; trap supply: Great Lakes IPM, Gemplers

Delta Traps

Delta traps with sticky insert having a printed grid. Sides fold to hold the sticky insert in place.

>>

These are very popular in IPM due to their easy assemblage, maintenance, less weather damage, & low cost of kits!

Suitable for small moths – diamondback moth, loopers

Problem: small trapping surface

Types of Pheromone TrapsStink Bug Traps

LURE LURE

Lure supply: Trece, APTIV; trap supply: APTIV

Problem: expensive, cumbersome, wind can topple trap or container, too attractive for strangers

Types of Pheromone TrapsMass trapping kits

Lure supply: Trece, APTIV; trap supply: Great Lakes IPM, APTIV

Advantages:Relatively inexpensiveConvenient cleaningLure lasts longer

Disadvantages:Needs a killing agent(“No Pest Strip”)

How to choose the right pheromone traps?

• Goal:

– monitoring? Yes, traditional use of pheromone traps

– mass trapping? May be for home gardeners

• Insect species:

– Pheromone trap for all species are not available

– Consult & work in a group (neighbors)

• Size of the Insect:

– Traps come in all sizes, choose large trap for large moths

• Your convenience:

– Traps must be checked weekly (weather is a major issue)

– Don’t commit if you can’t monitor long-term

Trap & Lure SuppliersTRAPS:• Great Lakes IPM (MI)• Arbico Organics (AZ)• Gemplers

LURES:• Great Lakes IPM – Scentry Biologicals

(MT) & Trece, Inc.• APTIV, Inc. (OR)

Monitoring insects with PHEROMONE TRAPS

QUESTIONS?

PART 3B