Moth Trap Research Articles

Evaluation of Some Commercially Available Trap Designs and Sex Pheromone Lures for Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Three commercially available sex pheromone lures (Trécé, Scentry, and Hercon) for the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), were effective for capturing males in Universal Moth Traps (Unitraps). The Trécé and Scentry lures were equally effective, and there was some evidence for significantly greater captures with Hercon than with Trécé lures. Longevity of the Trécé. Scentry, and Hercon lures was 23, 37, and 28-37 d, respectively. Of the trap designs evaluated, Unitraps were the most effective. All-green and all-white Unitraps baited with Trécé lures were significantly less effective than those with a green cover, yellow top, and white bottom (multicolored). Multicolored Unitraps captured significantly greater numbers of males than Multipher 1, 2, or 3 traps, and than commercially fabricated wire cone or commercially available Scentry Heliothis traps. Checking the Scentry Heliothis traps daily, rather than at 2- or 3-d intervals, as a way to reduce escape of moths that did not enter the trap tops, did not increase efficacy relative to Unitraps. There was no significant difference between captures in the wire cone and Scentry traps. These data should be useful in developing a standard trapping system for monitoring and population dynamics studies of the beet armyworm.

Diurnal and seasonal flight activity of males and population dynamics of fall webworm moth, Hyphantria cunea, (Drury) (Lep., Arctiidae) monitored by pheromone traps

Abstract: Synthetic pheromone trap captures of Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lep., Arctiidae) males were compared with those of virgin female‐baited traps and with visual observations. Delta‐traps with females and Uni‐traps with synthetic pheromone (1Z,3Z,6Z‐9,10‐epoxyheneicosatriene, 3Z,6Z‐9,10‐epoxyheneicosadiene, and 9Z,12Z,15Z‐octadecatrienal; total, 2–6 mg/dispenser) and visual observation at a fixed point were used. The diurnal rhythm of activity in the little studied first (spring) generation showed a broad peak (3 h) after sunset. The second (summer) generation showed a short (1.5 h) but intense peak of attraction before sunrise, both to natural and to synthetic pheromones. A second small peak, just after sunset, was detected only in traps with the synthetic bait. Males started to be attracted to females about 1 h later than to synthetics in both generations. The main flight of males (mid‐50% of cumulative male catches) was longer (8–11 days) in the first than in the second generation (5–7 days). The catches of males were increased by high daily maximum temperatures in the spring generation, while rain suppressed activity (phenology was delayed) in both generations. The total period of activity detectable by visual observations was about 6 days shorter than by pheromone traps. Population trends were recorded over four generations 1992–94 in two sites by trapping of moths and counting of larval webs. The second (summer) generation was two to six times larger than the spring generation. There was a correlation between the log‐transformed catch of males and larval webs (r = 0.92 for proportions of both infested trees and web density) of the same period. This allows prediction of the subsequent larval abundance (offspring) based on adult (parent) pheromone trapping in preceding weeks.

Metapopulations of moths on islands: a test of two contrasting models

1. We describe a generalized mainland‐island metapopulation model which includes migration among the island populations. We test model predictions with quantitative data on more than 200 species of moths in two contrasting networks of small islands. The data include a direct measure of migration rate, based on trapping of moths on rocky skerries with no local populations of the vast majority of species. 2. We predicted that moths which are strong fliers but uncommon on the islands have a higher incidence on scattered islands than on islands in a group, because the latter ‘compete’ for immigrants from the mainland. In contrast, we predicted that weakly flying species with potentially large local populations on the islands occur more frequently on islands in a group due to enhanced colonization rate. 3. Both predicted patterns were observed. Island occupancy increased significantly with the number of individuals caught on the rocky skerries, which is our measure of migration rate from the mainland, supporting the basic assumption that the species occur on the islands in a balance between colonizations and extinctions. 4. These results demonstrate that the moth metapopulations on islands represent a mixture of Levins’s and mainland‐island metapopulations, and that the mixture is different for different species in the same landscape.

Reduction of Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechüdae) Populations in the Imperial Valley, California, Following Mandatory Short-Season Cotton Management Systems

A cotton management program in the Imperial Valley, California, was specifically designed to reduce pink boll worm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), populations in the area by optimizing the host-free period. The program established 1 March as the earliest planting date, 1 September for defoliant or plant growth regulator application and 1 November for cotton stalk destruction and plowdown. In-season gossyplure-baited pink boll worm male moth activity monitoring and immature green cotton boll inspections for larval infestation were encouraged as decision making aids to determine the need for additional control action. Male pink boll worm moth catches in gossyplure-baited Lingren and delta sticky traps were substantially reduced each year from 1990 to 1994 following the initiation of the management program in 1989. Fewer larvae per cotton boll occurred in the years from 1990 to 1992. Fiber quality of commercial cotton sampled was also improved from 1989 to 1994, as compared with the 1984 to 1988 average. Male moth trap catches in gossyplure-baited traps placed around the perimeter of the Imperial Valley suggest that pink boll worm moth migration into the valley occurred from surrounding cotton growing areas during the growing season. Highest numbers of moths were caught in perimeter traps directionally placed toward cotton growing areas in the Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, and Bard-Winterhaven and Palo Verde, CA. Cotton production, in general, was reduced during 1989-1994 in these areas and may have contributed partially to reduced populations in Imperial Valley.

FORECASTING GYPSY MOTH DEFOLIATION WITH A GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

Abstract In this study, we developed a series of logistic regression models for forecasting gypsy moth defoliation. The models were parameterized by using data collected over a small scaled 100m× 100m gridarea; the independent variables included egg mass density, male moth trap, previous year defoliation, and distance to the nearest cell which was defoliated in the previous year. We simulated the decision‐making by using these models; this method essentially simulated the application of current gypsy moth management decision‐making. The results indicated that these models can be more reliably applied to actual management decision.

Response of Spodoptera exigua and S. eridania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Males to Synthetic Pheromone and S. exigua Females

The seasonal occurrence of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), and the southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania (Cramer), was monitored over a 2-year period using International Pheromones, Ltd. Moth Traps® baited with rubber septa impregnated with pheromone blends identified from conspecific females and also with pheromone emitted by live female beet armyworm moths. The pheromone blend for beet armyworm was (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol (2.5%), (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate (87.2%), and (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-ol acetate (10.3%). The pheromone blend used for southern armyworm was (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (55.78%), (Z,E)-9,12-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate (21.23%), (Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadien-1-ol acetate (8.67%), and (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-ol acetate (14.32%). Although subtropical in habit, both species apparently can survive in North-Central Florida even when temperatures drop below freezing for several days. The response of male southern armyworm moths to traps baited with beet armyworm females was remarkably similar to that recorded for southern armyworm males to their synthetic pheromone. This response was consistent over two years.

Comparison of Two Sex Pheromone Trap Designs for Monitoring Corn Earworm and Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Two sizes of the Texas Pheromone (TP) trap and the International Pheromone Systems (IP) Universal Moth trap with (IP1) and without (IP2) an insecticide strip were compared season-long for monitoring adult activity of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and the tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (F.). Diameters of the bottom opening of the outer cone and top opening of the inner cone of two sizes of the TP trap that were evaluated were 75 and 50 cm (TP75-50) and 50 and 25 cm (TP50-25), respectively. Based on the means for the number of males of both species caught per trap per week, the ranking of the traps was TP75-50 & TP50-25 & IP1 equal to IP2. Mean efficiency ratios (calculated as the number of males caught per week divided by the number caught in the TP75-50) for the TP50-25, IP1, and IP2 traps were 0.47, 0.04, and 0.03 for Heliothis virescens and 0.55, 0.28, and 0.12 for Helicoverpa zea , respectively. The difference in mean efficiency ratios between species was not Significant for the TP50-25 trap, but the differences were significant for the IP1 and IP2 traps. The results indicated that TP trap efficiencies were similar for Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens, IP trap efficiency was very low for Heliothis virescens, and the presence of insecticide strips in the TP traps had no detrimental effects on catches of either species. Linear regression equations were derived among all possible combinations of trap types. Highest r-squares were obtained for TP75-50 and TP50-25 traps for weekly and daily catches for Helicoverpa zea (r2 = 0.955 and 0.816, respectively) and for Heliothis virescens (r2 = 0.926 and 0.830, respectively).

Pheromone-Trap Monitoring System for Sweetpotato Weevil (Coleoptera: Apionidae) in the Southern United States: Effects of Trap Type and Pheromone Dose

Studies were conducted to develop a pheromone-trap monitoring system for sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius), in the southern United States. Effects of trap type and pheromone dose on weevil collections in traps baited with synthetic sex pheromone were studied in four states: Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Louisiana. A plastic funnel trap and the Universal moth trap (Uni-trap) were more efficacious at collecting C. formicarius males than a screen-cone boll weevil trap. More weevils were consistently caught in the former two trap types than in the latter trap when trap counts were high (average > 60 weevils per trap per night for both the Uni-trap and the plastic funnel trap) than when trap counts were low (average < 60 weevils per trap per night). The plastic funnel trap was more efficient (72.8%) than the Uni-trap (58.0%) at capturing marked male weevils released at the base of the traps; however, these traps were equally effective at preventing adults from escaping (2% escape) and were superior to the screen-cone boll weevil trap (43% escape). Trap counts increased (although not consistently significantly) with an increase in pheromone dose between 1 microgram and 1 mg. The importance of these data for monitoring C. formicarius in the southern United States and the Caribbean basin is discussed.

Field Evaluations of Pheromone-Baited Traps for Monitoring Mexican Rice Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The Universal Moth Trap (Unitrap) caught more male Mexican rice borers, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar), than 13 other trap types. Traps placed 5 m within sugarcane fields captured significantly more male Mexican rice borers than traps at the edge of the field or 5 m outside the field. Traps at the edge of the field captured significantly more insects than traps placed 5 m outside the field. There were no significant differences in trap captures when Unitraps were placed 5 m inside the field at heights of 46, 102, or 158 cm aboveground, but captures were less in traps placed 214 cm aboveground. With Pherocon IC traps placed 5 m inside the field, there were no significant differences in trap captures of male Mexican rice borers at any of the four heights.

Role of the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Pheromone and Other Factors in the Capture of Bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Aphidae) by Universal Moth Traps

The International Pheromone Systems Universal moth trap (Unitrap), when baited with the pheromone of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), has intermittently been observed to capture large numbers of bumblebees in addition to fall armyworm males. Studies were undertaken in Graham County, N.C., in 1988 and 1989 to determine the contributing factors. Investigation revealed that the yellow color of the traps was attractive to bumblebees, but the color alone did not influence their subsequent movement into the trap and resulting capture. Fall armyworm pheromone alone, particularly when used in combination with a No-Pest resin strip containing dichlorovos insecticide (to kill trapped insects), significantly increased the capture of bumblebees in yellow Unitraps. The green Unitrap alone was totally unattractive to bumblebees. Unitraps captured the greatest number of bumblebees when positioned adjacent to, and at the same height as, pollinating corn tassels. The number of captured bumblebees declined progressively as Unitrap height was lowered at 1-meter intervals from 4 to 1 m. Eleven species of bumblebees were identified from Unitrap captures. Abundant early spring rainfall in 1989 appeared to be primarily responsible for substantial reductions in the number of ground-nesting species of bumblebees during the summer.

Disruption of Light-Brown Apple Moth Epiphyas-Postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) Trapping in Nelson, New-Zealand

Disruption of lightbrown apple moth trapping was tested as a prelude to assessment of mating dis- ruption; polyethylene dispensers releasing the known sex pheromone components, (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate and (E,E)-9,ll-tetradecadien-l-yl acetate, at an estimated rate of 25 mg ha-' per hour in apple orchards in Nelson, New Zealand. A total of 2953 wild and 850 laboratory-reared males were marked and released at 16 sites in two pheromone-treated and two untreated blocks. No captures were recorded in sticky traps baited with virgin females or synthetic pheromones in pheromone-treated blocks, but 455 males were caught in untreated blocks, indicating complete prevention of trapping in the presence of the dispensers releasing synthetic pheromone. Individual dispensers released an estimated 4000-fold more pheromone per hour than females. Recapture of wild and laboratory-reared males averaged 28% and 31% respectively, in untreated blocks and surrounding traps. Removal of dispensers resulted in renewed capture inside previously treated blocks. Dispersal distances of wild and laboratory-reared males were not significantly different inside untreated blocks, but the mean time taken before recapture was twice as great for laboratory-reared moths (P&lt;O.05). Wild males showed a greater tendency to disperse out of blocks (P&lt;O.05). Dispersal distances exceeded 400 m for several moths. The daily survival or retention rate of wild moths inside release blocks was estimated to be 63%, although this rose to 74% when external traps were included. A maximum age of 19 days was recorded. Female moths mated with equal frequency when caged with males in pheromone-treated or untreated blocks.

Field Trapping and Observations of Male Velvetbean Caterpillar Moths and Trapping of Mocis spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Catacolinae) with Calibrated Formulations of Sex Pheromone

Responses of male velvetbean caterpillar moths, Anticarsia gemmatalis Hübner, were examined in field tests of cone-type traps baited with the female sex pheromone compounds, (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9-eicosatriene (C20) and (Z,Z,Z)-3,6,9, heneicosatriene (C21). Various blends, formulated on rubber septa, were quantified in the laboratory for release rate and release ratio of the C20 and C21 components; the optimum release ratio (C20:C21) and rate for the capture of males were 78:22 and 10 ng/h, respectively. This specificity was not apparent unless both parameters of release rate and ratio were tested. The number of males observed flying in a viewing area in the field was increased significantly by the presence of C20:C21 blends; however, the close approach of males and sustained hovering at baits were more blend sensitive than other behaviors. Three species of the genus Mocis also responded to the velvetbean caterpillar pheromone components: disseverans (Walker), latipes (Guénée), and marcida (Guénée). M. disseverans was captured in large numbers and responded preferentially to baits that released about 50% or more C21. The most M. disseverans were captured at traps containing only C21.

Effectiveness and Selectivity of Sex Pheromone Lures and Traps for Monitoring Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Adults in Connecticut Sweet Corn

Four commercially available sex pheromone lures and four trap designs were evaluated for effectiveness, utility, and target specificity in monitoring adults of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Traps baited with the Terochem lure (Raylo Chemicals) captured significantly more fall armyworm moths than those containing any of the other lures tested. Trap design did not significantly affect the magnitude of fall armyworm moth capture. Trap design, however, was more influential than the choice of pheromone lure in the capture of nontarget moths and stinging Hymenoptera. The Scentry Heliothis traps (Scentry, Inc.) captured significantly more nontarget moths and stinging Hymenoptera than any of the others tested. Servicing time and cost were also greatest for the Scentry traps. Results of this study indicate that either the Multi-pher Trap (Bio-Controle Services) or International Pheromones Moth Trap (International Pheromones Systems) (canister-type traps) baited with the Terochem lure provide a more effective, more durable, more easily serviced, more target specific, and less expensive fall armyworm monitoring trap than those formerly used.

Monitoring of the European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in South Carolina Using Pheromone Traps

Adult European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner), males responded preferentially to traps baited with a blend of 3% Z- and 97% E-11-tetradecenyl acetate in the South Carolina coastal plain. In the Piedmont area of the state, this response was reversed in favor of a 97Z:3E isomeric blend. Pheromone traps caught fewer ECB moths than blacklight traps and catch initiation usually lagged several days behind that of the blacklight traps. Commercial pheromone lures attracted ECB males, but sticky wing traps were relatively inefficient. The Albany Heliothis Scentry cone trap captured significantly more moths than did a modified Heliothis cone trap, a modified boll weevil trap, the International S.P.I. moth trap, or the Pherocon 1C wing trap.

Adult Sampling as a Means of Predicting Damage Levels of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Grain Corn

Any attempt to correlate adult fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) captures with infestation is complicated because plant maturity at the time migrating moths arrive in Maryland determines the extent to which larvae infest and damage corn, Zea mays L. Plants in mid-whorl and older escape injury whereas younger plants become infested. This work attempts to explain the difference maturity makes in susceptibility to fall armyworm and to correlate moth trap catches in pheromone traps with percent plants becoming infested. Observations in 4 separate plantings indicated the number of neonate larvae is reduced when Pioneer 3184 grain corn attained a maturity level of ca. 40% tassle-height ratio. The time from emergence from the soil to 40% T-H was hypothesized as a susceptible period. A regression analysis of % plants infested and moths captured in pheromone traps during this susceptible period resulted in a significant regression and an r^2 of 0.87.

A Sex Attractant Synergist for Trichoplusia oxygramma (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Trichoplusia oxygramma (Geyer) is closely related to the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), although it is not a pest species. Like many other Plusiinae, males are attracted in the field to traps baited with (Z)-7-dodecen-1-ol acetate (Z7-12:Ac), the major component of the sex pheromone of the female cabbage looper (Mitchell et al. 1972). During an experiment in which traps were baited with combinations of female cabbage looper sex pheromone components, T. oxygramma males were caught in traps baited with a combination of Z7-12:Ac and (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (Z9-14:Ac). We report here the result of a subsequent experiment demonstrating an increased sex attractant response by T. oxygramma males to Z7-12:Ac plus Z9-14:Ac compared to Z7-as:Ac alone, as indicated by trap catches. Plastic bucket traps (Universal moth trap, International Pheromones, Merseyside, England) were baited with two lures; a 1-mg dosage of Z7-12:Ac or a combination of 1-mg Z7-12:Ac and 90 ,ug Z9-14:Ac on a rubber septum. This ratio of 10 to 0.9 for Z7-12:Ac to Z9-14:Ac approximates the ratio of those components reported by Bjostad et al. (1984) for the female cabbage looper pheromone and is similar to the ratio in our original experiment in which T. oxygramma males were trapped. Septa were pre-extracted, handled and loaded as described by Landolt and Heath (1986). Traps were hung from shrubs about 1 m above ground level in uncultivated fields near Gainesville, Florida during Sept. and Oct. 1985. Traps were positioned as four treatment pairs with about 24m between paired traps. These were checked and septa switched daily between paired traps. Septa were replaced after 1 week. Treatment means were separated by Student's t-test at p > 0.05. Mean numbers of male T. oxygramma caught per week in traps baited with Z7-12:Ac plus Z9-14:Ac were significantly higher than in traps baited with Z7-12:Ac alone (Table 1), indicating a synergistic effect by Z9-14:Ac on the attractant response of male T. oxygramma to Z7-12:Ac. Although (Z)-9-14:Ac is a minor component of the sex pheromone of female T. ni (Bjostad et al. 1984), it did not have any synergistic effects on the response of T. ni males to Z7-as:Ac in a wind tunnel bioassay (Linn et al. 1984). Landolt and Heath (1986) also reported that numbers of male P. includens caught in traps were reduced greatly by the addition of Z9-14:Ac to Z7-12:Ac, indicating an inhibitory effect which may function in preventing interspecific courtship and mating between Trichoplusia spp. and P. includens. (Z)-9-Tetradecen-1-ol acetate also inhibits the attractant response (reduced trap catches) of two other species of Plusiinae, Autographa californica (Speyer) and A. flagellum (Walker), to Z7-12:Ac (Steck et al. 1979). Mention of a commercial or proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement by the USDA.

Field Evaluation of Commercial Pheromone Formulations and Traps Using a More Effective Sex Pheromone Blend for the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)1

A four-component blend of the recently identified sex pheromone for the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), was formulated in different commercial dispensing systems (rubber septa, microtubules, polyvials, plastic laminates) and fieldtested against wild moths at Gainesville, Fla., and in Guadeloupe, French West Indies. A pheromone blend that consisted of (percentage by weight) (Z)-7-dodecen-l-ol acetate (Z7-12:AC), (0.45%), (Z)-9-dodecen-l-ol acetate (0.25%), (Z)-9-tetradecen-l-ol acetate (Z9-14:AC) (81.61%), and (Z)-ll-hexadecen-l-ol acetate (17.69%) was highly effective as a lure for the FAW when formulated at 2 mg total pheromone blend in rubber septa, polyvials, or microtubules. Rubber septa dispensers that contained the four-component pheromone blend (2 mg) remained highly attractive to male FAW for up to 2 weeks in the field. The Hartstack 75–50 cm screenwire cone trap and the International Pheromones (IP) moth trap were both effective tools for capturing large numbers of FAW males. The IP moth trap baited with the four-component pheromone blend (2 mg) on rubber septa dispensers has been used to capture FAW moths over a wide geographic area ranging from French Guiana to Canada, thus demonstrating the usefulness of this combination for survey purposes. A two-component pheromone blend consisting (percentage by weight) of 0.58% Z7-12: AC and 99.42% Z9-14: AC on rubber septa dispensers (2 mg total blend) also was highly effective as a lure for FAW males. Although it was not tested over the same range as the four-component blend, data presented here and elsewhere suggest that the two-component blend could be substituted for the four-component pheromone blend for survey purposes.

DETERMINATION OF THE SEX-PHEROMONE COMPONENTS OF CHEIMOPHILA SALICELLA (LEPIDOPTERA: OECOPHORIDAE), A PEST OF BLUEBERRY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

AbstractThe female-produced sex pheromone Cheimophila salicella (Hbn.) was found to be a mixture of E-11-tetradecenyl acetate, E-11-tetradecen-1-ol, tetradecyl acetate and E-11-tetradecenal, as determined by chemical analyses and field-trapping results. Capillary gas-liquid chromatography of individual female tip washes indicated relative ratios of 100:15:10:2. Field-trapping experiments showed the E-11 acetate to be essential and the E-11 aldehyde to be a powerful synergist for trapping of male moths.

Pink bollworm of cotton ( Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders)): male moth catches in gossyplure-baited traps and relationships to oviposition, boll infestation and moth emergence

Pheromone-baited traps are an important sampling tool in integrated pest management programmes. Studies were conducted to determine the relationship between catches of male insects in these traps, and crop infestation. Numbers of male moths of the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), caught daily in cotton fields at the University of Arizona Cotton Research Center, Phoenix, Arizona, in gossyplure-baited traps were variable. However, average catches of male moths for 3–7 days between boll-sampling periods were strongly correlated with oviposition on cotton bolls, percentages of infested bolls and numbers of larvae per boll. Average weekly numbers of moths emerging from infested cotton were also strongly correlated with the number of males caught: the number of females emerging was strongly correlated with oviposition on cotton bolls. Insecticide applications of carbaryl and fenvalerate reduced catches of male moths of pink bollworm in gossyplure-baited traps compared with catches in traps in untreated fields (average 56%). However, 13–48 male moths/trap per night were caught in the treated fields after applications. Thus, scheduling treatments on the basis of male moth trap catches, except for the initial treatment, was not feasible. Small field sizes, moth immigration and/or continuing emergence from the infested cotton in the fields may have obscured the impact of the insecticide treatments on adult moth populations.

Commercial Traps for the Gypsy Moth, 1981

Abstract Commercially available traps are being marketed by at least 2 companies for use in an “Integrated pest management program” for gypsy moth control. Two examples of each of 3 types of traps were deployed in a residential neighborhood in State College, PA. Moth capture data obtained during the peak adult flight period (Jul 10-July 21, i.e., 24 traps-days per trap type) were used to assess the relative efficiency of the traps. Traps were at a density of 1 per 9375 ft2; manufacturers’ recommendations are 1 trap/10,000 ft . A hypergeometric design was used, in which each trap was placed for 24 hr in each of the 6 positions exactly once in each of the 2 successive 6-day periods. The 2 Health-Chem traps are essentially 2 qt cardboard milk cartons, with a laminated Luretape wick containing racemic disparlure and an insecticidal strip containing 2-(1-Methylethoxy) phenol methyl carbamate, within the trap. Two ports, each 1“x3/8” and protected by a hood, are cut in each side of the trap. The Lure ‘n Kill homeowner trap is green, the Hereon community use trap is orange; otherwise the traps are identifical. The Bag-A-Bug gypsy moth trap has a clear plastic hood on a green container (volume cal-1/3 qt); six 15/16“x3/8” entrance ports are located under the hood. Hollow fibres dispense the (t)-disparlure bait; 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate is the active ingredient in the toxic insect strip for killing moths which enter the trap.