Development of a New Trap to Detect and Monitor Khapra Beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Abstract

A vertically arranged (8.9 by 7.6 em) wall-mounted trap made of layered, corrugated paper was designed for use in USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine detection programs for Trogoderma granarium Everts (khapra beetle). The trap uses a membrane or septa pheromone lure for adult males and wheat germ oil as a larval food attractant. The placement of the pheromone lure directly over a plastic collection tray containing the oil resulted in increased efficiency. Fresh oils of oat, pumpkin seed, and sesame were more attractive to larvae than wheat germ oil, but they became less attractive as the oils aged. The trap caught 3.5 times more larvae in 5 d and 4.9 times more males in 1 d compared with a commercial flat-type trap. A trap jacket with foldout rear flaps was developed to improve entry into the trap, to give direct and guided access to the collection tray, and to allow tight contact with the substrate when the trap is wall mounted with a 2.5-cm square piece of l.6-mm foam tape. Traps mounted on a wall did not work unless flaps were deployed. Traps mounted on a wall and in contact with the floor were most effective, but catch improved when the rear flaps were opened to bridge the gap created by the mounting tape.