A first important step for a successful control of pests in the stock-keeping is the installation of a monitoring, a control system, to get an overview of the current state of pests.
By means of specific pheromone traps that bear the attractant of virgin female pests, it can be reliably determined if moths or beetles are being active. With the pheromone trap, for example, no female moths are caught and only a part of the male moths. If male moths are caught, then the egg laying females are also around: then Trichogramma parasitic wasps can be used for biological control.
Important: Distinguish the moths species with pheromone traps!
The pheromones for the different kinds of food moths (Indian meal moth, Mediterranean flour moth, warehouse moth) differ from the ones for the moths that damage textiles (clothes moth, case-bearing clothes moth). If they stick on a trap for food moths there is an infestation in the kitchen or in the storeroom, as food moths do not eat textiles and clothes moths in turn do not eat ceral products.
Pheromone traps: easy to use and nontoxic!
For the use in the warehouse reusable funnel traps or bucket traps are suitable. Here the pheromones have to be replaced regularly. Per room (up to 200 qm) one trap is sufficient. If too many traps are hung up they impede each other and the male moths loose orientation. Places in which moths have already been observed are especially suitable as locations for traps. The traps should not be hidden from the moths. Of course, in a shop with customers one will make sure that the traps are not placed too noticeable.
Control and document the catches of the traps!
From spring onwards the trap should be controlled regularly and the catches should be documented in writing. This is the only way to get an overview over the current pests occurrence and to react in time if there is a risk and take control measures. Also after the control, the monitoring should continue.
Combinable with the use of parasitic wasps
The pheromone traps last up to half a year but should be replaced, especially during the warm months, after three months in order to obtain a reliable catching effect. The attractants for moths are completely nontoxic and are also of no interest for the Trichogramma parasitic wasps.
Pheromone traps bought ahead should be stored in a cool place, e.g. in the fridge or in the cellar, so that the attractant does not vanish prematurely.
