Pheromone Traps

pheromone trap, photo credit: David McClenaghan, CSIRO, wikimedia commons

Pheromones are chemicals used by insects and other animals to communicate with each other. Insects send these chemical signals to help attract mates, warn others of predators, or find food. Using specific pheromones, traps can be used to monitor target pests in agriculture or in residential areas. By constantly monitoring for insects, it may be possible to detect an infestation before it occurs. Early detection of pest insects using pheromone traps can also lessen damage to agriculture and other plants. It can also limit the presence of stinging insects near you.

Pests such as Asian gypsy moths and Japanese beetles can be damaging to plants and may be controlled with a community wide effort. You might even find traps in your neighborhood! Using pheromone traps can help find locations where the pests are becoming established. Sometimes traps can also remove large populations. Large amounts of pheromone dispersion can be used in agriculture to disrupt insect mating.

Tips to remember if using pheromone traps:

Each pheromone is designed for a specific insect. No trap will be effective for all insects.
Some pheromones may be lower risk than conventional pesticides.
Lures need to be replaced often to better trap new insects.
Pheromone traps attract pests. Do not place them in high traffic areas near people or gardens, especially for wasps, hornets, or crop-damaging insects.
Traps can be affected by weather events, check them after storms to see if they need repair or replacement.
Keep traps out of reach of children and pets.
Wash your hands after using pheromones, as pests may follow you if you smell like one of their own.
Don't use outdoor products indoors. Always follow the label about how and where to use the product.

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Additional Resources:

Insect Trapping Guide - California Department of Agriculture
Using Pheromone Traps in Field Crops - University of Kentucky, Entomology Department
Insect Pheromones: Mastering Communication to Control Pests - National Academy of Sciences
Insect Trapping and Surveys - Oregon Department of Agriculture
Pheromone Traps for Monitoring Insect Pests - Alabama Cooperative Extension
Mating Disruption - Washington State University
Pheromones and Insect Management - University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Pheromones - Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA

Last updated April 29, 2021

Related Topics:

What are pests?

What are pesticides?