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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #213978
Title: Traps for capturing insects.

Author
item Epsky, Nancy
item WENDELL, MORRILL - MONTANA STATE DEPT OF ENT
item Mankin, Richard

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Entomology
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2008
Publication Date: 12/1/2008
Citation: Epsky, N.D., Wendell, M.L., Mankin, R.W. 2008. Traps for capturing insects.. Encyclopedia of Entomology.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Abstract Traps developed for capturing insects are as varied as the purpose for the trapping, the insects targeted, and the habitats in which they are used. An overview of the basic trap types and variations of those basic trap types for specific uses is presented. Traps may be used with or without attractant cues, and may use a combination of cues, including visual (color, light, and shape), chemical (food/host, pheromone, parapheromone, and oviposition) and acoustic stimuli to make them more specific and/or more effective. Automated monitoring systems exist that will transmit information on trap capture to an offsite station. Trapping systems for insects are important components in integrated pest management programs. Trapping data can be used to make decisions on the initiation or termination of control measures, as well as to assess efficacy of control approaches that have been implemented. With the availability of sufficiently effective traps that capture both female and male pest insects, trapping systems may be used as control measures and, thus, could be added to the growing list of biologically based technologies for insect control. All of these control approaches should be combined with other pest management strategies to be fully successful.