Moth traps are devices used for capturing moths for scientific research or domestic pest control.
Entomologists use moth traps to study moth populations, behavior, distribution, and role in ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological monitoring efforts.
Homeowners, on the other hand, employ moth traps to protect their homes from moth infestations, particularly clothes moths and pantry moths, which can cause significant damage to textiles and contaminate stored food products.
Use in entomology
Entomologists primarily use light-based moth traps, which exploit the phototactic behavior of moths, attracting them to a light source. Moths navigate by using natural light sources such as the moon and stars, and artificial light sources can confuse and draw them in. The moths are then captured in a container, allowing researchers to identify and record the species present without causing harm. Various trapping methods and designs are employed, including mercury vapor light traps, actinic light traps, and LED light traps, to cater to different research objectives, environmental conditions, and target moth species. These traps often feature modifications to minimize bycatch and ensure minimal disturbance to non-target organisms, demonstrating a responsible and ethical approach to scientific research.
All moth traps follow the same basic design - consisting of a mercury vapour or actinic light to attract the moths and a box in which the moths can accumulate and be examined later. The moths fly towards the light and spiral down towards the source of the light and are deflected into the box. Besides moths, several other insects will also come to light, such as scarab beetles, Ichneumonid wasps, stink bugs, stick insects, diving beetles, and water boatmen. Occasionally diurnal species such as dragonflies, yellowjacket wasps, and hover flies will also visit. The reason insects, and especially particular families of insects (e.g. moths), are attracted to light is uncertain. The most accepted theory is that moths migrate using the moon and stars as navigational aids, and that the placement of a closer-than-the-moon light causes subtended angles of light at the insect's eye to alter so rapidly that it has to fly in a spiral to reduce the angular change. This results in the insect flying into the artificial light. Yet the reason some diurnal insects visit is entirely unknown.
Some moths, notably Sesiidae are monitored or collected using pheromone traps.
Pest control
Moth traps for household use are designed to target specific moth species that cause damage to clothing, carpets, and stored food products. These traps typically use pheromones to lure the moths, ensuring a species-specific and non-toxic approach to pest control.
- Clothes moth traps
- These traps target moths that damage fabrics, such as the common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the case-bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella). Clothes moth traps utilize a pheromone to attract male moths, disrupting the mating cycle and reducing the moth population over time.
- Carpet moth traps
- Similar to clothes moth traps, carpet moth traps target moths that damage carpets and other fibrous materials, such as rugs, upholstery, and even taxidermy. These traps are designed to capture species like the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella) and the case-bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella), both of which can infest carpets. Carpet moth traps use a pheromone lure to attract and capture male moths, interrupting their mating cycle and subsequently reducing the population over time
- Pantry moth traps
- These are designed to control moths that infest stored food products, such as the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella) and the Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella). These traps use food-based attractants or pheromones to lure moths, preventing them from reproducing and contaminating food supplies.
Pest control moth traps rely on the use of attractants, typically pheromones, to lure target moth species. These attractants mimic the scent of female moths, enticing male moths into the trap. Once inside, the moths become stuck on a sticky surface, preventing them from reproducing and eventually reducing the overall population. pheromone-based traps are species-specific, reducing the likelihood of unintended harm to non-target organisms.
Targetted species
Moth traps are designed to catch specific species of moths, depending on their intended use. Entomologist traps are more versatile and can capture a wide range of moth species for research purposes. Household moth traps, on the other hand, are specialized to target moths that cause damage to fabrics and stored food products. Some common moth species targeted by these traps include:
- Common clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella)
- Clothes moth traps are designed to capture this species, which is known for damaging natural fibers in clothing, upholstery, and other textiles.
- Case-bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella)
- Another species targeted by clothes moth traps, the case-bearing clothes moth also feeds on natural fibers, causing damage to textiles.
- Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella)
- Pantry moth traps effectively capture this species, which infests stored food products such as grains, cereals, and dried fruits.
- Mediterranean flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella)
- Pantry moth traps also target the Mediterranean flour moth, which is a common pest in stored food products like flour, grains, and cereals.
See also
References
- Paul Waring, 2001 A Guide to Moth Traps and Their Use Amateur Entomologists' Society.
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