Light traps

Kory Berrett asks about light traps for pest control. There are
several issues that should be considered (aside from the UV light).
First, not everyone in pest control is equally willing to consider
these control devices. For example, Greg Baumann, Director of Field
Services, National Pest Control Association, has mentioned that he
considers them more of a monitoring device. The point being that
they don't attract all pests and are not equally effective even with
those that are attracted. Second, when the bulbs are protected,
you'll find around a 25% reduction in light output, which further
hampers effectiveness. Third, if they aren't cleaned properly--and
well--pantry pests will be attracted to eat the dead insects that
have been collected by the trap. And finally, like pheromones, they
can attract insects which might not otherwise be around.
Hope this is of some assistance,

Michael Trinkley, Ph.D., RPA
Director
Chicora Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 8664
Columbia, SC 29202-8664
803-787-6910


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:32
                Distributed: Thursday, December 7, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-14-32-004
                                  ***