Frequently Asked Questions
Pheromone Traps

How do pheromone traps work?

Pheromones are natural compounds that are created in the body of an insect. Insects use pheromones to communicate with each other. We have isolated many of these compounds in the laboratory and use them to lure the insects into a sticky trap.

How far apart should we place the traps?

Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella), Cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne), Warehouse beetle (Trogoderma spp.) traps should be placed 25-50 feet or 7-15 meters apart on a grid pattern. Clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and Flour beetle (Tribolium spp.) traps should be placed 25 feet or 7 meters (or less) apart.

How high should we place the traps?

In general, all traps should be placed at eye level for optimum performance, but they will perform at higher or lower levels as well. Flour beetle (Tribolium spp.) traps should be placed on a surface. Floor placement may be necessary.

Will these traps control my pest problem?

Not necessarily. Pheromone traps are designed as a monitoring tool. However, if used in situations with low populations, they can sometimes achieve control.

I am using the traps, but I still see insects. What else can I do?

Pheromone traps are meant to be used as part of an integrated approach to pest management. Sanitation, inspection, and removal of infested material are all very important parts of an integrated approach.

Do I need to cut the cap off the lure?

No, just open the package, take the entire lure lure out of the package and place it in the trap.

How long will the lure last after it is opened?

In general all pheromone lures are good for 60 days. After that, they should be replaced with a new lure.

How long will the lures last if kept unopened?

If kept in a freezer or refrigerator, all lures should be good for at least a year.

Where in the trap should I place the lure?

It really doesn't matter. Bullet lures should be placed in the bottom of the trap, but others can go in the top.

Will these traps catch all my insects?

No. Pheromone traps are species specific. They are designed to catch either one species or several closely related species.

**Answers to many questions can be found in the pheromone specification Sheet
Pheromone Specification Sheet (pdf format)
Pheromone Specification Sheet (html format)

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