Chapter 7.17
7.17 -Sticky Insect Traps
Jaeden M. Trudeau, University of Guelph, Canada
Suggested citation for this chapter.
Trudeau,JM. (2022) Sticky Insect Traps, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org
The Basics of Sticky Insect Traps
As its name suggests, sticky insect traps are traps (which can be made from plastic, paper, or cardboard) covered in a sticky substance (usually on both sides of the trap) which trap the insects that land on it (Verena, 2022). Sticky insect traps can also be bought with additional features such as grid lines (see Figure 3), which make it easier to count the number of insects trapped on the sticky paper, or synthetic pheromones infused into a sticky trap’s adhesive substance to help further attract specific insects (ARBICO Organics, n.d.).
Usage
Sticky insect traps are better suited for monitoring insects than for eradicating them (Dreistadt et al., 1998). They make great monitoring tools for farmers because they can provide them insight into the types of insects associated with their crops, which in turn can help inform them what pest control methods they need to adopt (Wit, 2023). Farmers can use visual guides (located in the Practical Resources section below) to help them identify what types of insects they caught on their sticky trap by showing illustrations of some of the most common farm pests stuck on sticky traps (Dreistadt et al., 1998). Alternatively, the sticky traps could be shown to visiting agricultural extension officers with insect expertise. Though it is not necessary, if a farmer needs the assistance of a magnifying glass to recognize and identify the features of the insects they trapped in their sticky traps, a 10-15X hand lens is recommended (Newman, 2010).
Sticky traps can also help farmers determine if the pest control measures they are using are effective or not by allowing them to compare the number of insects caught on sticky traps before and after implementing different pest control measures (My Garden & Greenhouse, 2023). If a farmer has multiple sticky traps set up across their crop growing area, they can also discover which direction insects are invading from and which areas or plants are being targeted by insects the most, by identifying which sticky traps caught a greater number of insects (Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, n.d.). Farmers can also determine the migration season of certain insects by what time of year they begin and stop appearing on their sticky insect traps (Dreistadt et al., 1998). Knowing the migration seasons of insects allows farmers to set up pest control precautions ahead of their expected arrival (Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, n.d.). In order for farmers to recognize patterns when and where insects invade their land, it is vital that they keep track of, and save the information that they gather from their sticky traps by recording it on paper (Newman, 2010). The recorded information should include: the number of insects found on a sticky insect trap, the location of said sticky trap, the date in which it was placed there, and the date it was gathered.
Forms
Sticky insect traps can be purchased in a tape/roll format (see Figure 1) or in a paper/sheet format (see Figure 2) (Wit, 2023).
Figure 1. Yellow sticky insect tape/roll https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Factory-Customized-Yellow-Sticky-Insect-Tape_1601029527529.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.p_offer.d_title.6d3b666azKfBJe&s=p
Figure 2. Yellow sticky insect paper/sheets https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Strong-Fly-Traps-Bugs-Sticky-Board_1600990058160.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_image
Colours
Sticky traps also come in a variety of colours, which all attract different insect types (Verena, 2022). White sticky traps attract California flower thrips, apple sawflies, plum sawflies, and raspberry beetles (Verna, 2022). Red sticky traps attract pear blight beetles (Verena, 2022). Orange sticky traps attract carrot flies (Verna, 2022). Blue and yellow sticky traps are the most commonly used colours, with blue sticky traps attracting thrips (ARBICO Organics, n.d.; Harness, 2022; My Garden & Greenhouse, 2023; Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, n.d.; Verena, 2022; Wit, 2023) and yellow sticky traps attracting winged aphids, fungus gnats, whiteflies, shore flies, psyllids, leafminers, thrips (Nursery Management, 2012), fungus flies (Wit, 2023), beetles, moths (Cloyd, 2017), and sharpshooters (Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, n.d.). Because yellow sticky traps attract the widest variety of insect types – due to insects associating the colour with pollen and nectar (Verena, 2022) – it is recommended that gardeners and farmers use yellow-coloured sticky traps unless they are interested in targeting a specific insect better attracted to other coloured sticky traps (My Garden & Greenhouse, 2023).
Distance and Placement
Sticky traps can be used indoors or outdoors. If used outdoors, farmers are advised to place one sticky trap per 10,000 sq ft of land, but the number increases to one sticky trap per 1,000 sq ft when dealing with plants vulnerable to whiteflies (Newman, 2010; Nursery Management, 2012; Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, n.d.). Sticky traps should be replaced every 1-2 weeks or once they are no longer useful due to them being filled with insects or dust (Newman, 2010; Nowak, 2023).
Sticky trap sheets can be positioned horizontally near or on soil (see Figure 4) to monitor fungus gnats, and shore flies, but, it is generally recommended that sticky trap sheets be positioned vertically for the best results (Newman, 2010; Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, n.d.). The bottom of stick trap sheets should be placed near – or several inches higher for fast-growing plants – than the top of plant canopies (Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, n.d.) in order to capture flying insects (Lindquist, 1988). The traps should be periodically adjusted to accommodate growing plants (Newman, 2010). Farmers can secure a sticky sheet trap above plants by using a clothespin to attach it to a vertical stick or bamboo rod stick in the ground (see Figure 3) or by tying it to a higher plant shoot (see Figure 9) or the ceiling (see Figure 7) (Cloyd, 2017). Farmers can likewise secure sticky trap tape above their plants by attaching it to two separated poles or sticks (see Figure 8) or by attaching it to two parallel strings (see Figure 10) tied to high plant shoots or tall upright objects (Cloyd, 2017).
Below are examples of how farmers can place their sticky insect traps (Figures 3 to 10):
Figure 3. Sticky trap attached to stick with a clothespin https://www.greenhousemag.com/article/sticky-card-success/
Figure 4. Sticky trap placed between potted plants https://www.greenhousemag.com/article/sticky-card-success/
Figure 5. Sticky trap placed above plants https://www.greenhousemag.com/article/sticky-card-success/
Figure 6. Sticky trap inserted into soil https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/yellow-glue-sticky-trap-harmful-plant-1718101915
Figure 7. Sticky trap hanging from the ceiling https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/trap-catching-harmful-insects-sticky-layer-2179760851
Figure 8. Sticky trap tape stretched out among plants https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/plantation-roses-greenhouse-1451965607
Figure 9. Sticky trap tied to plant shoot https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/yellow-insect-shield-garden-sticky-flying-2411605551
Figure 10. Sticky trap tape attached to two parallel strings https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/yellow-blue-sticky-trap-agriculture-field-524015050
Mesh or Tarpaulin Greenhouses
Because of the costs associated, small scale farmers may be more likely to use sticky traps in home gardens and also tarpaulin (see Figures 11 & 12) or mesh-based greenhouses (see Figures 13 & 14) that support high value fruits and vegetables.
See the Practical Resources section for links to videos and articles that explain how to build different types of greenhouses, and for links to online stores where you can purchase greenhouse materials.
Figure 11. Picture of greenhouse tarp from the outside https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/tarpaulin-greenhouse-green-garden-2303970899
Figure 12. Picture of greenhouse tarp from the inside https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/tanus-france-march-1-2023-interior-2385413493
Figure 13. Picture of mesh greenhouse from the outside https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/shading-green-net-on-greenhouse-artificial-2271371133 </p
Picture 14. Picture of mesh greenhouse from the inside https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/green-netting-garden-used-protect-plants-2416178699
Critical Analysis
Although sticky traps offer many benefits to farmers, they also have their limitations. For instance, small wildlife (e.g. squirrels, birds, mice, and reptiles) can get stuck on sticky insect traps that have stronger adhesive substances. If they are unable to free themselves from the trap, they will starve to death, and if they do manage to free themselves, it will likely not be without injury (e.g. torn flesh/fur/feathers) (Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, 2021). Insects that are beneficial to farmers (e.g. bees and ladybugs) can also get caught in sticky traps (GrowersHouse, 2023). Placing sticky insect traps in greenhouses helps avoid both of these issues. Aside from animals and insects, farmers may also get their own hair or skin stuck to sticky traps, but luckily, using soap and water or some oil can help them quickly unstick themselves (My Garden & Greenhouse, 2023).
Due to sticky traps necessitating a higher placement, they are less effective at capturing non-flying insects, including immature flying insects (Nowak, 2023). Because higher up sticky traps can only catch mature flying insects, farmers may fail to recognize that their plants are being invaded by certain insects until they have already done some damage to the plants (Nowak, 2023). Additionally, factors such as plant density, wind, fans, and temperature can impact mature flying insects' tendency to fly which makes sticky traps less effective (Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, n.d.). These issues can be mediated by placing sticky traps near soil.
It is difficult to count insects on non-yellow sticky traps, which makes it harder to collect accurate data (Nowak, 2023). Gathering and replacing sticky traps every one or two weeks can also be quite laborious and time-consuming, as is having to count the number of insects on each sticky trap – though having grid lines on sticky traps does slightly help (ExtermPRO, n.d.).
Alternatives
Farmers can save money on sticky insect traps by making them at home. To make their own sticky traps, farmers only need a preferably yellow object (or a colour that best attracts a farmers insect target) with a non-absorbent flat surface (such as index cards, plates, food storage lids, or cardboard), a sticky substance (such as Vaseline, honey, molasses, Gum Arabic, sugar solution, or double-stick clear tape), and a tool to evenly apply the sticky substance to the chosen object such as a knife (Consumer Energy Center, 2023; Harness, 2022) Women can also come together or work independently to make and sell these homemade sticky traps locally.
See the Practical Resources section for a video on how to make your own sticky traps.
Helpful Links To Get Started
How to Build Sticky Trap Guides
Video on how to make sticky insect traps:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeeWjiBVWJU
Video on how to build different types of greenhouses:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8iQo3b9ARs
Articles that explain and show images of different types of greenhouse designs:
https://housegrail.com/diy-raised-bed-greenhouse-covers/
https://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/diy-greenhouse-plans-tutorials-for-anyone-with-a-green-thumb/
Step-by-step greenhouse instruction manuals:
https://www.bootstrapfarmer.com/pages/instruction-manuals
Insect Identification
Guide to identifying insects: https://entomologytoday.org/2018/07/03/insect-identification-experts-guides-bug-spider-arachnid-entomology/
Picture based guide to identify what type of insects are caught on a sticky trap: https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/21572.pdf
Shop Online for Supplies
Purchase sticky insect paper traps on Alibaba: https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?spm=a2700.factory_search.page-tab-top.1.493d7122SsJ4Eg&fsb=y&IndexArea=product_en&SearchText=sticky+insect+traps&tab=all
Purchase sticky insect roll traps on Alibaba: https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.the-new-header_fy23_pc_search_bar.keydown__Enter&tab=all&SearchText=sticky+insect+roll+traps
Purchase sticky insect paper traps on Indiamart: https://dir.indiamart.com/search.mp?ss=sticky+insect+trap&mcatid=178510&catid=192&src=as-context%257Ckwd%253Dsticky%2520insect%257Cpos%253D1%257Ccat%253D192%257Cmcat%253D178510%257Ckwd_len%253D13%257Ckwd_cnt%253D2%7C&prdsrc=1&stype=attr=1%7CattrS&res=RC4&com-cf=nl&ktp=N0&mtp=S&qry_typ=P&lang=en
Purchase sticky insect roll traps on Indiamart: https://dir.indiamart.com/search.mp?ss=sticky+insect+roll+traps&mcatid=178510&catid=192&prdsrc=1&stype=attr=1%7CattrS&res=RC3&com-cf=nl&ktp=N0&mtp=S&qry_typ=P&lang=en
Purchase mesh or tarpaulin greenhouse covers on Alibaba: https://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.the-new-header_fy23_pc_search_bar.keydown__Enter&tab=all&SearchText=greenhouse+cover
Purchase mesh or tarpaulin greenhouse covers on Indiamart: https://dir.indiamart.com/search.mp?ss=greenhouse+cover&mcatid=29817&catid=150&prdsrc=1&stype=attr=1%7CattrS&res=RC3&com-cf=nl&ktp=N0&mtp=S&qry_typ=P&lang=en
Insect elimination
Pest control methods for dealing with insect infestations on farms (once you have determined the existence of one with the help of sticky traps):
https://www.era-ard.org/pest-control-methods/
https://eos.com/blog/integrated-pest-management/
Pest control methods for targeting specific insect types (identified with sticky insect traps):
https://blog.gardenuity.com/common-garden-pests/
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/pest-control-tips.html
References
1. ARBICO Organics. (n.d.). Trapline t+ blue sticky roller trap. https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/trapline-t-plus-sticky-roller-trap/insect-traps-lures
2.Cloyd, R. (2017, January). Sticky card success: Understand the use of yellow sticky cards and how to identify insects on them. Green House Management.https://www.greenhousemag.com/article/sticky-card-success/
3.Consumer Energy Center. (2023, October 21). Building and using insect traps effectively. https://www.consumerenergycenter.org/building-and-using-insect-traps-effectively/
4.Dreistadt, S., Newman, J., & Robb, K. (1998). Sticky trap monitoring of insect pests. University of California. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/21572.pdf
5.Entomological Society of America. (2018, July 3). Insect Identification: Experts and Guides to ID That Bug You Found. Entomology Today. https://entomologytoday.org/2018/07/03/insect-identification-experts-guides-bug-spider-arachnid-entomology/
6.ExtermPRO. (n.d.). How to properly use glue traps for insects (and risks). https://www.extermpro.com/how-to-properly-use-glue-traps-for-insects-and-risks/
7.Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. (2021, September 7). Say no to sticky traps. https://www.greenwoodwildlife.org/say-no-to-sticky-traps/
8.GrowersHouse. (2023, March 18). How to use yellow/blue sticky glue traps. . https://growershouse.com/blog/how-to-use-yellow-blue-sticky-glue-traps#:~:text=How%20to%20use%20them%3F%201%20Place%20the%20traps,pest%20control%20methods%20for%20a%20more%20comprehensive%20approach.
9.Harness, J. (2022, May 5). How to make your own insect glue traps. Hunker; Leafgroup LTD. https://www.hunker.com/13421893/how-to-make-your-own-insect-glue-traps
10.Lindquist, R. (1988). Use of yellow sticky traps in greenhouses (p. 15). Ornamental Northwest Archives. https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/horticulture/osu-nursery-greenhouse-and-christmas-trees/onn120315.pdf
11.McCreary, C., Jandricic, S., Summerfield, A., & Buitenhuis, R. (2020, September 21). How to monitor for greenhouse pests. Greenhouse Canada; Government of Canada. https://www.greenhousecanada.com/how-to-monitor-for-pests/
12.My Garden & Greenhouse. (2023, August 1). How Sticky Traps Help Prevent Pest Infestations. https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/pest-control/how-sticky-traps-help-prevent-pest-infestations/
13.Newman, J. (2010, June). Monitoring with sticky traps can save you money. Green House Management; GIE Media, Inc. https://www.greenhousemag.com/article/gmpro-0610-growing-trends-sticky-traps/
14.Nowak, M. (2023, March 21). Making the most of sticky traps: How to effectively implement this IPM tool. Ecoation; Ecoation Innovative Solutions Inc. https://blog.ecoation.com/sticky-traps-used-in-greenhouses-for-integrated-pest-management-ipm
15.Nursery Management. (2012, September). How to: Properly monitor with sticky traps. Nursery Management; GIE Media, Inc. https://www.nurserymag.com/article/nm0912-yellow-sticky-traps-monitoring/
16.Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program. (n.d.). Monitoring with Sticky Traps. UCIPM; University of California. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/floriculture-and-ornamental-nurseries/monitoring-with-sticky-traps/
17.Taylor, N. (2023, September 26). Sticky bug traps: An effective solution for pest infestations. Trappify. https://trappify.com/sticky-bug-traps/
18.Verena. (2022, September 20). Sticky traps for insects: how they work. Plantura Magazine; Plantura GmbH. https://plantura.garden/uk/pests/pest-control/sticky-traps
19.Wit, J.-P. (2023, August 10). Sticky traps usage tips: Detecting insects and monitoring pest control in greenhouse settings. Royal Brinkman Canada . https://royalbrinkman.ca/knowledge-centre/sticky-traps-usage-tips