What is a pheromone trap?

A pheromone trap usually consists of a small glue trap that is impregnated with sex pheromone or it comes with a small vial of sex pheromone that will be placed on the trap. Sex pheromones are hormones scents that are usually emitted by the female insect and picked up by the male as a cue for mating. Male pests are drawn to the trap for the purpose of mating and are then caught.  

What types of pests are caught with pheromone traps?

There are many different traps on the market, each geared toward specific pests. Do My Own Pest Control carries pheromone traps for Indian meal moths, Mediterranean flour moths, Almond moths, Raisin moths, Cigarette beetles, Clothes moths and German roaches.

How are pheromone traps used?

Pheromone traps are usually simple to use. Some traps only require you to peel the protective paper from the glue area. Other traps also require you to place the pheromone vial on the trap to attract the insects. Traps should be placed in the area where the target pest is a problem. For example, Indian Meal Moths can be found in or near pantries and so traps should be set up in those areas. Pheromone trap do require some air flow to allow the pheromone to properly attract the insects. Moth trap can be hung or set on a shelf in the pantry. Roach and beetle traps can be placed wherever activity has been noted.

How effective are pheromone traps?

Pheromone traps are very effective when used as directed.  Since the traps attract and catch only male insects, some situations may require additional insecticide treatments and very thorough cleaning for effective control. Pantry moth, pantry beetle and cloth moth infestations will require that an inspection be completed to find infested items. Infested food items should be discarded and clothing items should be cleaned to get rid of the larvae that are causing damage and to stop future infestations. Cabinets, pantries and closets may need to be sprayed with a residual insecticide to gain faster control of the adult insects that have not been captured by the traps. Pheromone traps are also great for monitoring a pest infestation and for use in facilities where the use of insecticides is prohibited.