Improved Captures of the Invasive Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Halyomorpha halys, Using a Novel Multimodal Trap.

Abstract

Simple SummaryPest monitoring using traps is a key component of integrated pest management. For several insects, trapping is achieved using visual or olfactory stimuli. Although the combination of both is supposed to provide higher efficacy, this has often been overlooked in trap design. Through laboratory bioassays and field experiments we evaluated the use of UV-A and visible light in combination with olfactory stimuli to improve trapping of the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Our results may be useful for the improvement of monitoring strategies for early pest detection. Additionally, the higher efficacy of the multimodal traps would allow their use in attract-and-kill or push–pull strategies within integrated pest management.Capture strategies for the brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), are challenging. Here we developed and evaluated a multimodal trap which combines visual and olfactory stimuli. Visual stimuli consisted of LEDs emitting UV-A and visible light. Olfactory stimuli were comprised of the synthetic aggregation pheromone and odours from trapped H. halys individuals. Stink bug attraction at different wavelengths was evaluated in laboratory two-choice bioassays, and different prototypes of the trap were tested in 2021 in natural, agricultural, and urban settings. Traps with a combination of UV-A and blue or green visible wavelengths provided higher H. halys attraction (up to ~8-fold) compared to traditional sticky or small pyramidal traps. The concurrent presence of synthetic pheromone and LED had a synergistic effect on H. halys positive phototaxis. Further development and implementation of the multimodal trap is discussed for prospective use in attract-and-kill or push–pull strategies.