ARS | Publication request: Pheromone traps, a detective tool

Submitted to: Trade Journal Publication
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 1, 2009
Publication Date: May 6, 2010
Citation: Campbell, J.F. 2010. Pheromone traps, a detective tool. Trade Journal Publication. Available at http://www.qualityassurancemag.com/Article.aspx?article_id=103472.

Technical Abstract: Monitoring to ensure tolerances and target levels are being met is a critical component of food industry quality control programs. Pest management is a component of quality control programs and monitoring of pest populations is needed to ensure program effectiveness, but is often not used to its full potential. If the sanitation/pest management program simply documents the procedures performed, but does not document pest populations, then we are only getting part of the story and limiting our ability to optimally manage pest populations. Effective pest management programs are an information-intensive process, and professionals in the food and pest management industries need to have multiple high-quality sources of information from which to evaluate and optimize programs. In this column the use of pheromone traps as a detective tool to identify sources of infestation and to target pest management is discussed.