Pheromone trapping systems are becoming an important method of pest control when dealing with stored product pests, and can offer ...
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Pheromones are highly specific "signature" chemicals manufactured by insects and used for communication within the species. Pheromone-based insect trapping allows early, accurate detection of insect pest infestation; identification of source and route of entry; prompt treatment with less reliance on chemicals; and a test of effectiveness for pest control measures used.
Pheromone traps have become established as the weapon of choice for pest control companies when dealing with an indoor pest infestation. In addition, field crop situations are also ideal for using pheromone-based traps to control pests through mass trapping, lure and kill ("attracticide") and mating disruption.
There is still a huge, unexplored potential for indoor pheromone trapping applications. Such situations are ideal for implementing accurate pheromone trapping systems for many reasons, including:
Pheromones and their dispensing system (the lure) are the "software" of the system. By their very nature and function, pheromones are specific and volatile chemicals made so by the different arrangements of alcohol, ester, aldehyde and ketone groups that exist within the hydrocarbon structures.
Pheromones are chemically complex, with several different chemical components in a specific insect.
Generally speaking, stored product pests are of two main types: moth larvae, and adult and juvenile forms of various beetles and weevils. There are two types of pheromones used by these insect groups for communication within the species:
Synthetic pheromones are of little use without an appropriate dispenser or lure. These are custom-designed to release the pheromone in a manner that offers the best insect attraction over the longest possible time.
Pheromones must be strong enough to reach out and attract insects from a maximum distance, yet not overpower the insect once it's there.
Insect traps are the "hardware" of indoor pest monitoring and management systems, and are designed, in structure, shape and colors, to match the behavior and sensitivity of the target insect pest.
All traps are designed and furnished internally with means to secure and trap insects once they have entered the trap – usually, but not always, comprising of a glue board.
No single trap can fulfill all the needs of indoor pest monitoring and management. Trap selection is matched to the layout and nature of the indoor environment, which can affect trap catch.
Knowledge of insect pest biology is basic to selection and deployment of pheromone-based trapping systems for successful pest monitoring and management indoors. Placement and timing are key.
An example of this is the biscuit beetle, where the adult male emerges five to seven days before females. So when male beetles begin to appear in the traps, you know there are just five to seven days in which to locate and eliminate the source of infestation before reproductive females appear.
Article provided by SDA Pest Control