Pheromone traps: the key to early pest detection and cost savings in tobacco storage (English only)

Early detection of infestations and a targeted approach to pest management are essential for reducing costs in tobacco storage. Pheromone traps, such as the Lasiotrap and Contrap, offer an effective solution for monitoring and controlling the presence of pests like tobacco beetles and tobacco moths. To understand the efficiency of these traps, it’s important first to learn more about these tobacco pests. 

Signs of infestation by tobacco beetles and tobacco moths

Infestation signs can vary depending on the type of pest. Cigarette beetles leave visible holes in packaging, tobacco leaves, and stored products. You may also notice dead adult beetles around the infested area. These reddish-brown beetles, which are between 2-4 mm in size, chew through cardboard packaging and can lay up to 100 eggs directly on the stored product. 

The larvae, which hatch after about one to two weeks, feed on tobacco and other stored commodities, including spices, grains, and pet food. 

In contrast, the tobacco moth is a pale grey insect with a wingspan of 12-20 mm and can lay up to 270 eggs. Silk webs over tobacco products or moths flying in storage areas are clear signs of infestation. The larvae feed on the product after hatching, causing significant damage, particularly to flue-cured and oriental tobacco due to their high sugar content.

The benefits of pheromone traps in pest management

Most of the damage to tobacco leaves and stored tobacco products is caused by larval feeding. Pheromone traps help mitigate this by disrupting the mating patterns of tobacco beetles and tobacco moths. The males are drawn to the pheromone-baited traps and captured on an adhesive surface, enabling regular counting of the population. By monitoring the number of beetles, these traps provide a clear picture of infestation levels, allowing for timely action if the population exceeds acceptable thresholds.

These traps, such as the Lasiotrap and Contrap, leverage advanced pheromone lure technology to attract male pests. By capturing them on an adhesive surface, the traps facilitate effective population monitoring and support pest control strategies.

Lasiotrap: specifically designed for warehouses

The Lasiotrap is designed for tobacco storage areas and warehouses. It features three exposed sticky surfaces and a centrally located pheromone lure inside a closed tube. The triangular design ensures optimal placement and coverage, making it an effective solution for monitoring and managing pest populations in large storage environments.  

In addition to its high efficiency, the Lasiotrap is made from eco-friendly materials, contributing to the early detection of infestations without the need for chemical treatments, which ultimately saves costs and protects valuable stored tobacco products.

Contrap: developed for container transports

The Contrap is designed specifically for container transports, addressing the unique pest management challenges encountered during the shipping of tobacco products. Compact in design, it is easy to place within containers, typically near the door for maximum effectiveness. Generally, one Contrap per container is sufficient for monitoring during transit. 

Like the Lasiotrap, the Contrap utilizes pheromone to lure male tobacco pests, disrupting their ability to reproduce and keeping infestation levels low. This approach helps preserve the quality of the transported tobacco and minimizes the need for chemical pest control measures.

Effective placement and usage of pheromone traps

For the best results, pheromone traps for tobacco pests should be spaced 15-20 meters apart in storage or production areas, or placed near the doors of containers. It’s recommended to install them on walls or the backs of machines at a height of 1.20 meters, avoiding windy or dusty locations for optimal performance. 

Regular monitoring is crucial. Recording the number of caught beetles on a daily or weekly basis is advisable. If the pest count continues to rise, additional tobacco pest control measures may need to be implemented. 

Both Lasiotrap and Contrap are eco-friendly and play a crucial role in the early detection of infestations. This not only reduces the chances of a large-scale outbreak but also minimizes the reliance on insecticides, which can degrade product quality. 

Protect your tobacco with pheromone traps

If you're looking to implement effective pest control strategies using pheromone traps like Lasiotrap or Contrap, it’s time to take action. Protect your stored tobacco from cigarette beetles and tobacco moths by integrating these solutions into your pest management strategy. Talk to a specialist today!