Pheromone Traps
Pheromone traps are a good tool for monitoring insects easily attracted to pheromones (chemicals released by a insect species to exchange information). Insects are attracted to the scent (lure) at the apex of the trap, fall through the funnel, and remain in the container until collection.
![](https://ncturfbugs.wordpress.ncsu.edu/files/2017/07/turf-sampling-11-1-600x800.jpg)
How to assemble a pheromone trap:
Step 1. Assemble the pheromone trap by screwing the 4-inch-diameter (10-centimeter) bucket into the yellow, winged top.
Step 2. Attach either a pheromone capsule or a pheromone-soaked cotton swab to the top crux of the wings at the very top of the trap.
Step 3. Hang the trap by its handle on a metal post or nail. Be sure to replace the lure frequently, particularly when there is more than ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) of rainfall.
Note. Pheromone traps can attract a variety of insects. Only place pheromone traps during the time of the year you anticipate your target insect’s activity.
![](https://ncturfbugs.wordpress.ncsu.edu/files/2017/07/turf-sampling-12-1-600x800.jpg)
![](https://ncturfbugs.wordpress.ncsu.edu/files/2024/02/pheromone-trap-edited.jpg)
![](https://ncturfbugs.wordpress.ncsu.edu/files/2017/07/turf-sampling-11-1-600x800.jpg)
The following insects can be monitored with pheromone traps: