The Basics of Pheromone Traps

When it comes to traps for catching and eliminating pests, there are a ton of different options out there. Some of them are intuitively straightforward, while others are less so. Some, like pheromone traps, are most effective when combined with other pest control methods. Of course, for a pheromone trap to work, you need to have a basic understanding of them.

Pheromone traps are a type of trap that uses pheromones to attract a specific type of pest. Pheromones are chemicals produced to communicate various pieces of information with other members of that pest’s community. They may be used to find food, issue predator warnings, or attract a mate. When incorporated into a trap, they make it possible to detect pest presence early enough to stave off an infestation and limit pest damage.

Unlike some other types of traps, pheromone traps are best placed away from your home. Remember, the point of a pheromone trap is to attract the pest to the trap and you’re trying to keep these pests away from your home. Avoid placing pheromone traps designed to attract wasps, hornets, or crop-damaging insects near gardens and high-traffic areas near people. They should be placed out of reach of children and pets as well. Pay attention to whether the trap is meant to be used outside or inside and place it accordingly.

 To get the best results from your pheromone traps, they’ll need to be monitored frequently. The lures must be replaced regularly for the trap to continue to effectively attract pests. If you get a storm, check the trap. It may need to be repaired or replaced. Keep in mind that the pheromones given off by any specific pest are unique. As such, any given pheromone trap will be specific to a particular pest. Remember to wash your hands after handling a pheromone trap. You don’t want to attract the pests to yourself because you smell like something they’re interested in.

If you want to catch an infestation before it even happens or target a specific pest, using pheromone traps can help. Proper knowledge and understanding of how they work and how to use them are crucial to their effectiveness. If that seems like more work than you want to put forward, don’t worry. The pest control professionals at Proterra Pest Control can handle all of that for you.

Proterra Pest Control can help you control a variety of pests around your home. Click here to see our pest library for a sample of some of the pests we can help you with today!