Influence of Trap Position with respect to Height and Placement Surface on Capture of the Tobacco Moth, Ephestiaelutella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in Pheromone Traps

Abstract

Abstract The efficacy of pheromone traps is affected by trap placement and pest biology, as well as by the trap and lure design. We evaluated the effect of trap height and placement in relation to surfaces on tobacco moth catches using release-capture experiments. Six traps were mounted vertically in a 9 × 15 × 4.2-5.8 m shed on a wall at heights of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 m. More catches were obtained near the ceiling and at 1 m above the floor in the dark. Catches at 1 m were negligible when light shone through the upper windows. In a 42.3 × 36.5 × 4 m tobacco warehouse, the respective efficacies of aerially suspended traps and surface-mounted traps were examined. The number of catches obtained using traps mounted on pillars was significantly higher than that obtained in traps suspended from poles. These results suggest practical considerations for monitoring in warehouses. We recommend eliminating any night lighting and placing traps on surfaces, such as walls and stored commodities, at higher positions that are within reach (1 m) to facilitate convenient inspection.