FAQ's

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 apart in a grid pattern. Clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and Flour beetle (Tribolium spp.) traps should be placed 25 feet (or less) apart. Please see the pheromone specification sheet below for other insects.

How high should we place the traps?

In general, all hanging traps should be placed at eye level for optimum performance, but they will perform at higher or lower levels as well. Floor traps traps should be placed on a surface. This could include any flat shelf or the floor.

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 control. 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 envelope, take the entire lure lure out of the package and place it in the trap on its side. This allows the pheromone to be released through the circular disc in the aluminum cap.

How long will the lure last after it is opened?

In general all Bullet Lures are good for 60 days. After that, they should be replaced with a new lure. Attractancy can last +90 days with some lures.

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 or even more.

Where in the trap should I place the lure?

Bullet lures should be centered in the bottom of the trap. 

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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