【Introduction】
Using sticky traps to monitor pests is a standard greenhouse way to help reduce overall pest management costs when coupled with plant inspections.
Sticky traps only capture airborne adults and do not capture immature stages that commonly cause most crop damage.
Some greenhouse pests are usually not caught on sticky traps, and winged pests do not typically appear until population levels are high. For these reasons, sticky traps must be used in combination with visual plant inspections to confirm the presence of economically damaging pest populations.
【Benefits】
Sticky traps provide an easy method for estimating the pest population. When the timing of pest control actions is based on these estimates along with visual inspections, there is generally a reduction in pesticide use. As a result, there will be fewer problems caused by pesticide resistance, such as pesticide-induced symptoms.
There are other significant benefits of sticky traps. Sticky traps can provide an early warning of pest presence before plant damage is observed, alerting growers to step up visual inspections.
【Installing and replacing traps】
The number of traps needed depends on many factors, including the main target pest. Unless other guidelines are recommended, use a minimum of one sticky trap for every 10,000 square feet of growing area (if used indoor, usually place it at least 5-10 feet apart in areas where pests are likely to travel).
Traps should be positioned just above the crop canopy and raised as the plants grow. Hanging traps horizontally is recommended when monitoring pests. In most situations, hanging the longest part of the trap vertically will catch the most insects.
Traps should not be left up for long periods or they will become caked with insects, making it difficult to make an accurate and quick inspection. So inspect sticky traps at least once or twice a week and replace them after inspection unless the traps are reused.
Reusing traps does save on the cost but it will be difficult when inspecting, so we are not recommending reusing traps.
【Are glue traps the same as sticky traps?】
While glue traps are a form of sticky trap, the term "glue trap" is usually used for heavier duty trapping and pest control tasks, such as catching mice and rats. Glue traps typically use a heavier, stickier glue layer applied to a stiff plastic tray.
【To get your sticky traps (hyperlink attached)】
Dual-side insect sticky traps (yellow/blue/customized)
Butterfly Shape Yellow Sticky Trap
