Insects and Pests Traps as Useful Tool in Pest Management.

Orchards are paradises of natural beauty and abundance, where rows upon rows of fruit trees thrive under the nurturing care of farmers and nature. However, as much as we would like to enjoy the fruits of our labor undisturbed, pests and insects often have other plans in mind. Insects like aphids, fruit flies, and borers can wreak havoc on orchards, causing damage to fruits, trees, and overall crop yield. Insects and pest traps plays crucial role in orchards comes to combating pests and insects in a safe, environmentally friendly, and highly effective manner.

By deploying targeted trapping techniques, orchardists can protect their valuable crops, maintain the ecological balance of their orchards, and ensure a bountiful harvest for both themselves and eager consumers. In this article, we will explore some of the most common and efficient trapping methods used in orchards, shedding light on how these traps work, their benefits, and the best practices for implementing them.

Join us on this journey of discovery, as we unveil the secrets of pest and insect trapping in orchards and the vital role they play in sustaining the health and productivity of these fruitful orchards.

 Colored Sticky insects and pests traps

Sticky traps, also known as glue traps or adhesive traps, are commonly used for insect and pest control. These traps are designed to catch and immobilize insects and other small pests by using a sticky adhesive to reduce post-harvest losses.

Description:

Sticky traps typically consist of a flat or folded surface with a sticky adhesive coating. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the targeted pest. Some sticky traps have a scent or attractant-treated to lure specific pests.

Types: There are different types of sticky traps available for specific target pests. Some common types include:

1. Yellow Sticky insects and pests Traps:

These traps are bright yellow in color and are effective against flying insects, especially aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and fungus gnats. The yellow color attracts these pests, and they stick to the adhesive surface.

2. Blue Sticky insects and pests Traps:

Blue traps helps to capture and control adult male fungus gnats. The blue color attracts these pests, and the sticky surface captures them, disrupting their reproductive cycle.

3. White sticky insects and pests traps:

White sticky traps target flower thrips, the apple sawfly as well as plum sawflies. They can also monitor and catch raspberry beetle.

4. Red sticky insects and pests traps:

They help control the pear blight beetle commonly in orchards and vineyards.

5. Orange sticky insects and pests traps:

They help control carrot flies.

 6. Mouse and Rat Traps:

Sticky traps can also help in capturing rodents like mice and rats. These traps usually come in larger sizes and have a stronger adhesive to immobilize the rodents.

How it works: Sticky traps work by using a strong adhesive surface that insects and pests land or crawl onto. Once they step on the adhesive, they can’t move, eventually, they die. The traps attract the insects by color or pheromones, depending on the type of trap.

Target Insects and Pests: Sticky traps can target a wide range of insects and pests, including but not limited to:

• Flying insects: Such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, aphids, whiteflies, fungus gnats, and fruit flies.
• Crawling insects: Like ants, cockroaches, silverfish, spiders, and scorpions.
• Rodents: Mice and rats also have sticky traps, specifically for them.

It is important to place sticky traps strategically in areas where the target pests are likely to frequent, such as windowsills, near plants, and along baseboards. Regular monitoring and replacement of the traps are crucial for effective pest control.

Pheromone insect and pest traps

These traps are a type of insect trap that attracts and captures specific insects and pests using pheromones – chemical signals released by insects for communication. Pheromone traps can be highly effective for monitoring and controlling pest populations in various settings, such as agricultural fields, gardens, and households.

There are several types of pheromone traps, including funnel traps, delta traps, sticky traps, and bucket traps. Each type targets specific insects and pests.

1. Funnel insects and pests Traps:

These traps consist of a funnel-shaped entrance leading into a collection container. The pheromone lure is inside the container, attracting insects and causing them to enter the trap through the narrow opening. Once inside, the insects are unable to find their way out and eventually die.

2. Delta insects and pests Traps:

These traps feature a triangular shape with a sticky surface on both sides. The pheromone lure is on the sticky surface, attracting insects to land on the trap. Once on the sticky surface, they immobilize and subsequently die.

3. Sticky Traps:

These traps typically consist of a flat surface covered in a sticky adhesive material. Pheromone lures are on the adhesive surface, attracting insects to land on the trap. Once they come into contact with the sticky substance, the trap them and can’t escape.

4. Bucket insects and pests Traps:

These traps are for larger pests like beetles and weevils. They have a deep container partially filled with water and baited with pheromones. The pheromone scent attracts the insects, which fall into the water and drown.

The working principle of pheromone traps relies on attracting specific insects by mimicking the chemical signals they use for mating or locating food sources. The pheromone lures used in the traps emit synthetic versions of these chemical signals, effectively luring insects into the trap. Once inside, the sticky surfaces immobilize the insects or trap them inside the container, leading to their eventual demise.

The target insects and pests depend on the specific pheromone lure used. Common examples include fruit flies, moths, beetles, weevils, ants, and cockroaches, among others. You can tailor the pheromone traps to target specific species, allowing for target monitoring and control of pest populations while minimizing harm to beneficial insects.

Light insects and pest traps

Types of light traps used in orchards for pests and insects

1. Ultraviolet (UV) light insects and pests traps:

Description: UV light traps utilize short-wavelength UV light to attract insects. They can have an electric grid or sticky surface to trap or kill insects.

How they work: The UV light emitted by the trap attracts insects towards it. Insects are either electrocuted when they come into contact with the electric grid or get stuck on the sticky surface.

Target pests and insects: UV light traps are effective in attracting a wide range of flying insects, including moths, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes.

2. Black light insects and pest traps:

Description: Blacklight insects and pests traps emit ultraviolet light (often mixed with visible light) to attract insects. They can come with an electric grid or a sticky surface.

How they work: The black light attracts insects towards the trap. Insects are either electrocuted or trapped by the sticky surface.

Target pests and insects: Black light traps are effective for attracting a variety of pests and insects, such as beetles, moths, flies, and certain species of mosquitoes.

3. Mercury vapor insects and pest traps:

Description: Mercury vapor traps use light produced by mixed mercury vapor lamps to attract insects. They usually have an electric grid for insect electrocution.

How they work: The light emitted by the mercury vapor lamp attracts insects towards the trap. Electrocution of the insects will occur as they touch the electric grid.

Target pests and insects: Mercury vapor traps are primarily for attracting large night-flying insects, such as scarab beetles, allowing orchards to minimize damage.

4. LED light insects and pests traps:

Description: LED light insects and pests traps utilize light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to attract insects. They can have features such as specific wavelengths or pulsating patterns to target specific species

How they work: The LED lights emit wavelengths that attract insects towards the trap. Electrocution of the insects will occur as they touch the electric grid or the sticky surface to capture them.

Target pests and insects: LED light traps can target specific pests, such as fruit flies, moths, or specific species of beetles.

5. Pheromone-based insects and pest traps:

Description: Pheromone-based traps combine light with chemical attractants, such as sex pheromones, to lure insects. They typically have a sticky surface for insect capture.

How they work: The pheromones released from the trap attract male insects searching for a mate. The sticky surface will capture them.

Target pests and insects: Pheromone-based traps are particularly effective in attracting specific pests or insects, such as certain moth species that damage orchard crops.

6. Sticky traps:

Description: Sticky insects and pests traps use a sticky surface to capture insects. They come as yellow or blue, as these colors attract specific types of pests.

How they work: The bright color of the sticky trap attracts insects, and when they come into contact, they stick to the adhesive surface.

Target pests and insects: Sticky traps can capture a variety of flying insects, including aphids, whiteflies, thrips, leafhoppers, and certain species of beetles.

Solar light insect traps.

The solar light insects and pests trap consists of a solar panel that charges during the day and switches on an ultraviolet light at night to attract harmful insects which are most active during sunrise. Sunset hours ensure that the device saves energy while being highly effective in controlling pests.

The selection of the appropriate light trap depends on the specific pests or insects causing issues in the orchard and the desired method of trapping or killing them.

Pitfall pest traps

A pitfall insects and pests trap is a simple yet effective method used to capture insects and pests in agricultural settings. It is designed to take advantage of the natural movement patterns of these creatures and their inability to escape from a pit once they fall into it. Here is a description of how a pitfall trap works and how it targets insects and pests:

Design:

A pitfall trap consists of a container or a dug pit buried in the ground, typically made of plastic or metal. The container is often cylindrical or rectangular with smooth inner walls, making it difficult for trapped insects to climb out.

Placement:

The trap is strategically placed in areas infested with insects or where their presence is anticipated. Common spots include along the edges of crop fields, near the base of plants, or at the intersection of paths frequently used by pests.

Bait:

To attract insects and pests, add a bait inside the pitfall trap. The bait can vary depending on the target insect or pest species. For example, it could be a specific pheromone or scent, food material, or even a visual lure like bright colors or reflective surfaces.

Falling into the trap:

Insects, pests, or even other small organisms, such as certain rodents, are drawn to the trap by the bait and inadvertently fall into it. They are often lured by the scent or visual cue, mistaking it for an ideal location for feeding, mating, or shelter.

Inability to escape:

Once inside the trap, the smooth inner walls prevent the trapped organisms from climbing out. You can also control insects and pests with a slippery surface, especially if you add some water or oil to the trap to increase its effectiveness. This limits their mobility and makes it nearly impossible for them to escape.

Collection and disposal:

Regular monitoring is important to check the trap for captured insects and pests. You can collect by removing the entire container from the ground or using a net to scoop them out. It is important to identify the captured organisms to assess their species composition and population density, aiding in further pest management decisions.

In summary, a pitfall trap is a passive insect and pest trapping technique that exploits their natural movement behaviors to capture them efficiently. By using appropriate bait and placement, it can effectively target and control specific insects and pests in farm areas, helping farmers monitor their populations and assess the need for additional pest control measures.

A Malaise insects and pest trap.

A malaise is a type of insect-trapping device commonly used in entomology research and pest management on farms. It is designed to passively collect flying insects and pests over an extended period. Here is a description of how a Malaise trap works and how it targets insects and pests on the farm:

Design:

A Malaise trap consists of a tent-like structure made of lightweight, fine mesh material, typically polyester or nylon. The trap has two sides, one facing upwards and the other pointing downwards, creating a vertical barrier for flying insects.

Collection funnel:

At the highest point of the trap, a collection funnel is attached. This funnel directs insects into a collecting bottle, which is filled with a preservative such as ethanol or propylene glycol to preserve the captured specimens.

Placement:

Malaise traps are strategically placed in areas where insects are likely to fly, such as field edges, near crops, or close to insect breeding sites. Multiple traps may be set up throughout the farm to obtain a comprehensive picture of insect populations.

Flight intercepting mechanism:

Flying insects encounter the mesh barrier and tend to follow the upward slope of the trap. As they continue flying upwards, they encounter the collection funnel, ultimately funneling them into the collecting bottle.

Targeting insects and pests:

Malaise traps are effective in targeting a wide range of flying insects, including pests commonly found on farms. Many pest species have strong flying abilities and are actively searching for hosts or food sources. By placing the traps strategically, the target insects and pests are attracted to the trap and unintentionally fly into it.

Continuous trapping and monitoring:

Malaise traps are left in place for an extended period, usually a week or more, to ensure a sufficient sample of insects is collected. Researchers or farmers routinely check the traps, empty the collecting bottles, replace the preservative, and collect specimens for identification and analysis.

Data analysis:

The captured insects and pests are identified, counted, and analyzed to assess the composition and population dynamics of the insect community. This information helps guide pest management strategies, monitor insect populations, and evaluate the effectiveness of pest control measures on the farm.

In summary, Malaise traps are a passive insect trapping method used to target flying insects and pests on farms. By taking advantage of the insects’ natural flight behaviors, these traps can efficiently collect samples for research or aid in pest monitoring and management efforts.

Flight interception traps

Flight interception traps, also known as interception traps or window traps, are a type of insect trapping device commonly used to study insect populations and target pests on farms. They are designed to capture flying insects in a specific area. Here is a description of how flight interception traps work and how they target insects and pests on the farm:

Design:

Flight interception traps typically consist of a frame with a central collection container. Attached to the frame are small windows or openings that allow flying insects to enter the trap.

Placement:

The traps are strategically placed in areas where flying insects are abundant or where pest infestations are observed. Common locations include field edges, near crops, or around breeding sites.

Attraction:

Flight interception traps do not use baits, but instead rely on their physical design and the presence of the trap itself to attract flying insects. The trap’s windows or openings act as visual cues for insects, making them perceive the trap as a potential resting spot or a pathway.

Intercepting insects:

As flying insects move through the area, they encounter the trap’s windows or openings. Attracted by the light or structure of the trap, they are intercepted and directed into the central collection container.

Capture mechanism:

Once inside the trap, flying insects find it challenging to exit due to the structure. Some traps have a funnel-like design that guides the insects toward the collection container, while others have complex shapes that disorient them and prevent easy escape.

Targeting pests:

Flight interception traps are effective at capturing a broad range of flying insects, including agricultural pests. Common pests such as aphids, moths, flies, and beetles can be targeted using these traps. By placing traps near crops or infested areas, farmers can monitor the population dynamics of pest species and assess the need for pest control measures.

Monitoring and analysis:

Traps are inspected regularly, typically on a weekly basis, to collect the captured insects. Researchers or farmers record the number and species of insects found in each trap. Specimens can be identified, counted, and analyzed to gain insights into population densities, seasonal patterns, and pest dynamics on the farm.

In conclusion, flight interception traps capture flying insects, including pests, by attracting and intercepting them with their design and placement. These traps provide valuable information about the insect populations present on the farm, assisting in pest monitoring programs and guiding pest management strategies.

Lindgren funnel insects and pests traps

Lindgren funnel traps are widely used in agricultural settings to monitor and capture a variety of insect species. These traps consist of a vertical tube with multiple horizontal collecting funnels at the top. They are typically made of plastic or cardboard materials.

Here’s how Lindgren funnel traps work:

• Design: The trap is designed to mimic the natural entry points of insects into a particular area. The vertical tube represents a tree or plant stem, while the collecting funnels at the top simulate the foliage or branches.
• Lure: The traps are baited with specific attractants, called lures, which vary depending on the target insect species. These lures can be a combination of pheromones, plant volatiles, or other substances that mimic insect attractants.
• Funnel entry: Insects are attracted to the lure and follow the scent towards the trap. When the insects reach the top of the trap, they encounter the horizontal collecting funnels. These funnels guide the insects into a collection container placed at the bottom of the trap.
• Collection: The collection container contains a liquid preservative, such as ethanol or propylene glycol, which immobilizes and preserves the captured insects. This allows for their easy identification and subsequent research or analysis.

The specific target insects in the farm can also vary depending on the monitoring objectives. Lindgren traps are commonly used to capture and study agricultural pests, such as moths, flies, beetles, and wasps, which can cause damage to crops. Moreover, these traps are especially effective for capturing species that use vertical plant structures as entry points, making them ideal for monitoring insect populations and developing pest management strategies in agricultural settings.

Japanese beetle traps

Japanese beetle traps are commonly used to monitor and control populations of Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) in agricultural settings. These traps are designed to attract and capture these specific pests.

Here’s how Japanese beetle traps work:

• Design: The trap usually consists of a plastic or mesh bag hung from a pole or branch. The bag contains a lure or bait designed to attract Japanese beetles. The trap may also incorporate a pheromone lure, which mimics the scent of female Japanese beetles to attract males.
• Attractants: The lure or bait used in the trap typically contains a combination of floral scents, food odors, and pheromones specific to Japanese beetles. These scents mimic the odor emitted by plants or females, which, in turn, draws the beetles towards the trap.
• Visual cues: In addition to the attractants, Japanese beetle traps often have bright colors or patterns on the bag to provide visual cues. The beetles are naturally attracted to these vivid colors and are guided towards the trap.
• Placement: The traps are strategically placed in areas where Japanese beetles are known to be present or in proximity to valuable plants that need protection. They are hung at a particular height to mimic the height of vegetation that the beetles prefer.
• Capture: As the Japanese beetles are lured and fly towards the trap, they enter through openings in the bag. Once inside, they become trapped and unable to escape.

Target insects for Japanese beetle traps are primarily the Japanese beetles themselves. These beetles are notorious agricultural pests that feed on the leaves, fruits, and flowers of numerous plants like roses, grapes, beans, and corn. Monitoring their populations using these traps helps farmers determine the severity of infestations and implement control measures accordingly, such as targeted insecticide applications or management strategies to mitigate crop damage.

Pan traps

Pan insects and pests traps are commonly used in entomology to collect and monitor flying insects in farm environments. They consist of a shallow container filled with liquid that attracts and traps insects. The liquid is usually colored with a dye to increase its attractiveness to insects and facilitate their capture.

The design of pan traps is simple, with the most common ones being made from plastic or metal. The container is typically 10-20 centimeters in diameter, with a depth of around 2-5 centimeters. The liquid used in pan traps can vary, but commonly it is a mixture of water, a surfactant to break the liquid’s surface tension (e.g., detergent), and a feeding stimulant (e.g., sugar or a protein source).

The attractive properties of the liquid in pan traps mainly target flower-visiting insects, such as bees, wasps, butterflies, and flies. The liquid mimics floral nectar or other natural food sources, compelling these insects to visit and subsequently get trapped in the container. The dye in the liquid helps in the easy identification of insects and acts as a visual lure.

How they work

When insects approach the pan trap, they are attracted by the color and scent of the liquid. They land on the liquid surface and may try to feed on it or lay eggs. However, the surfactant present in the liquid reduces the surface tension, causing the insects to sink and drown. The trapped insects can then be collected and studied for scientific purposes or to monitor pest populations in farms.

Pan insects and pests traps are an effective and non-invasive method to survey insect populations in agricultural fields. They can be placed at multiple locations within the farm to capture a wide variety of insect species. Additionally, compared to other trapping methods, pan traps are easy to assemble, cost-effective, and can be left unattended for extended periods, allowing researchers or farmers to monitor insect trends over time.

Berlese traps

Berlese insects and insects traps are another commonly used method to collect and study insects, particularly soil-dwelling or litter-dwelling species, in farming environments. These traps work by utilizing heat and desiccation to drive insects out of the soil or litter, making them easier to collect.

The design of a Berlese trap typically consists of a funnel-shaped top portion attached to a collection container. The top portion is filled with a loose layer of soil or litter, and a heat source (e.g., a light bulb or heat lamp) is placed above it. The bottom of the trap contains a collecting container or vial to capture the dislodged insects.

A Berlese trap is usually set up in the field or a designated area of the farm where soil or litter-dwelling insects are of interest. The heat source is turned on, and as it warms the upper portion of the trap, the soil or litter starts to dry out. As a result, the insects within this medium experience unfavorable conditions and actively move away from the drying area.

In response to the heat and desiccation, insects in the soil or litter will migrate downward seeking a more suitable environment. The narrow funnel-shaped opening of the trap guides their movement, leading them to eventually fall into the collecting container at the bottom. The container is often filled with a preservative solution, such as alcohol, that immerses and preserves the collected insects.

What do they target?

Berlese traps primarily target soil-dwelling arthropods, including mites, springtails, beetles, and small worms. These insects play important roles in soil ecology and can provide insights into the health and biodiversity of agricultural systems. By collecting and studying them, researchers and farmers can assess the impact of farming practices on soil biodiversity, evaluate pest populations, and monitor changes in the ecosystem.

Berlese insects and pests traps are relatively straightforward to use and can be placed in various farm areas where insects are likely to be found – such as beneath plants or in areas with decaying organic matter. They provide an effective means of sampling and monitoring soil-dwelling insects without the need for extensive digging or disturbance.

Benefits of using insect traps

There are several benefits of using insects and pests trap method in an orchard:

1. Pest control:

Trapping insects and pests can help reduce their populations and control their damage to orchard crops. By using specific traps targeted at certain pests, orchard owners can effectively monitor and manage pest populations.

2. Organic farming:

Trapping insects and pests is an important tool in organic farming practices. It reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides, ensuring a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to orchard management.

3. Monitoring and detection:

Traps provide a means of monitoring and detecting the presence and abundance of insects and pests in the orchard. This information is valuable in determining the severity of infestations and making informed decisions on pest management strategies.

4. Early detection of invasive species:

Traps can help in the early detection of new and potentially invasive insect species. By deploying traps that attract specific pests, orchard owners can quickly identify and respond to these invasive species before they cause significant damage to the orchard.

5. Research and studies:

Trapping insects and pests in orchards can also support entomological research and studies. The collected specimens can be used for further analysis, studying their behavior, and life cycle, and identifying potential control methods.

6. Cost-effective:

Insect and pest trapping can be a cost-effective approach in pest management. Compared to the widespread application of pesticides, targeted trapping can be a more economical method for controlling specific pests.

7. Reduced chemical residues:

By reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides, trapping can help minimize the presence of chemical residues on orchard crops. This is desirable for both consumer health and environmental considerations.

Overall, implementing insect and pest trapping on orchards can lead to more sustainable pest management practices, reduced environmental impact, and healthier orchard crops.

Companies that supply insect and pest traps.

Contact Links

• For traps, contact:  The Real IPM Co. (Kenya) Ltd. P.O. Box 4001-01002 Madaraka, Thika, Kenya.Tel 0725 806086, email: info@realipm.com. https://realipm.com

Contact details

• Koppert Biological Systems (K) Ltd.
  Apex Business Park, Unit 6, Mombasa Road.
  P.O. Box 41852
  00100 Nairobi, Kenya
  +254 731 202191
  info@koppert.co.ke

References.

• https://www.flickr.com/photos/76798465@N00/3267254183.
• https://www.wildcare.co.uk/berlese-funnel.html.
• https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/funnel-trap-15670382730.html.
• https://mississippientomologicalmuseum.org.msstate.edu/collecting.preparation.methods/Lindgrens.htm.
• https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Lindgren-Funnel-trap-used-for-capturing-Cerambycid-beetles_fig1_260810836.
• https://www.msstate.edu/.