ARS | Publication request: A CHAMBER FOR IMMOBILIZING INSECTS WITH CARBON DIOXIDE

Submitted to: Southwestern Entomologist
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: August 1, 1998
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The major problem in trying to treat insects with insecticides in a spray chamber is keeping them still long enough to apply insecticides. A chamber was constructed to immobilize adult insects with carbon dioxide to facilitate treatment with insecticides using a spray table. The chamber is designed to allow observation of insects during immobilization. A check valve purges excess carbon dioxide, maintains constant pressure, and protects the rubber seals during use. This chamber is especially useful for immobilizing small parasitic wasps.

Technical Abstract: A chamber was constructed to immobilize adult insects with carbon dioxide to facilitate treatment with insecticides using a spray table. The chamber is designed to allow observation of insects during immobilization. A check valve purges excess carbon dioxide, maintains constant pressure, and protects the rubber seals during use. This chamber is especially useful for immobilizing small parasitic wasps.