Vespula pennsylvanica / maculiforna / germanica / vulgaris / squamosa and DolichovespulaThe dog days of summer…fresh water melon, ice cream, p
06.06.2023 - 17:54 / gardenerspath.com / Helga George
Using Pheromones to Control Insects in Your GardenWhat lures a potential mate? While it may be looks and charm in humans, for insects, it is typically a seductive chemical.
You may have heard of pheromones – chemical attractants.
Scientists have identified pheromones for over 1,500 insects, although only a small number of them are used commercially.
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Read on to learn about the many ways in which you can use these hormones to control insect pests as part of your integrated pest management strategy.
What Is a Pheromone?A pheromone is a specific chemical that insects and other organisms use to communicate with others of the same species – usually those of the opposite sex.
Once released, the pheromone travels through the air or water before reaching the second organism, which will often alter its behavior in response.
These chemicals are typically used to lure a mate, mimicking pheromones released by females, but some types warn of danger.
Pheromones are active at extremely low concentrations, just 1 millionth of an ounce.
Since their discovery in 1959, chemists have learned to synthesize many in large quantities. This has enabled them to be used on a large scale – primarily in traps.
The ability to lure insects into traps has been a boon to growers and other people who face insect threats on a regular basis.
Use in Monitoring TrapsOne of the most common uses of pheromones is in so-called lure traps.
Common PestsSticky traps coated with these compounds are placed in a field or orchard before the target insect has become active.
Then, you check them daily for the presence of the insect. Once the insect has been identified,
Vespula pennsylvanica / maculiforna / germanica / vulgaris / squamosa and DolichovespulaThe dog days of summer…fresh water melon, ice cream, p
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