Use of pheromones, attractants and traps
Time of employment of traps
Every pest has its own biological cycle and a number of generations per year. Therefore in each zone it is necessary to know at what time exactly the pest is active as an adult. The different generations for a pest may vary due to the temperatures of the habitat where they are found.
It is recommended that the traps be used before the start of the first generation of the target pest.
Type of trap to use
The use of sexual pheromones requires using a suitable trap for the insect’s size, behaviour, population level and environment in which they are found.
Advice on the most suitable trap for each pest can be found in the list of pheromone diffusers in this catalogue. In addition the full name of the target pest is given.
Location of traps
The setting of traps effects insect captures. Traps should be positioned at crop height, suspended from a supporting structure. In the case of trees any tree branch can be used as a support.
The setting of traps will vary depending on whether the crops are isolated or are surrounded by other crops. In the first case a uniform distribution will be sufficient and in the latter more traps should be placed on plot borders, with one to be placed every 10 or 15 metres.
Trap density
The number of traps per crop varies according to the objectives of the control system, whether it is for detection and monitoring or for mass trapping of the respective pest.
Traps for different pest species can be set in close proximity, at a distance of 4 or 5 metres minimum. However pheromone diffusers for different species should not be placed in the same trap.
An important factor is crop size. For small or irregular crops, a greater number of traps will be required than in larger or more uniform-sized crops.
Generally, 1 to 2 traps per hectare is sufficient to detect and monitor the pest; 10 to 20 traps for mass trapping. Although this can vary significantly due to various factors which may have a bearing on the number of traps placed: pest population, adjoining crops, intended level of control…
Types of diffusers
Trap Activation
The traps are activated once the pheromone diffuser has been placed in the trap.
The most appropriate place and manner of placing the diffuser is in the description of each trap.
Inserting the diffuser into the sticky area of the trap
Inserting the diffuser into the cage
Hanging the diffusers with a clip in one of the trap holes
Hanging the blister with a clip, using one of its holes, in the holes of the trap
Fitting the diffuser into the lid of an EOSTRAP® trap
Trap Maintenance
- Pheromone diffusers should be replaced every 40, 60, 90, 120, 150 or 200 days depending on the type of diffuser used in each case.
- To increase the retention of insects in the traps, you can add a couple of fingers of vegetable oil, water with a few drops of soap or antifreeze.
- In the case of capturing dipterans, it is recommended to use ECONEX BOTTLE TRAP.
- The adhesive sheets of the TRIANGULAR trap should be changed when the plot area is full of insects. Gloves should be worn when handling pheromone.
- The manipulation of the pheromone diffusers will be carried out using gloves.
Storing pheromone diffusers
It is recommended that pheromone diffusers, attractants and kairomones be stored in a cool place below 25 oC and away from sunlight.
«For the conservation of diffusers for long periods of time, it is recommended to use the refrigerator, in which case remain effective for 2 years; and freezer, 4 years»
Interpretation of captures
An insect counts should becarried out periodically. Some insect should counted daily and others every two weeks.
The monitoring of captures indicates the increase of the pest population over time.
Example of flight curve monitoring for the later application of phytosanitary treatment.
