Insect Science ™ Trap System

The Scale Card Plastic is a highly durable self-glue card that has the standard UC grid design, which facilitates the ease of counting insects. Flytac ™ is applied to the Scale Card Plastic to ensure that all insects remain trapped. The Flytac ™ is replaced on a weekly basis after counting has taken place and cards have been cleaned by using our Glue Remover. This card is effective for all scale insects, including Citrus Mealy Bug and Red Scale. For ease of transporting the Scale Card Plastic to and from the field, you can use our Scale Card Box ™.

C.M.B. PheroLure ™

The rubber septa used to attract the Citrus Mealy Bug that enters the trap is known as the C.M.B. PheroLure ™. The C.M.B. PheroLure ™ needs to be replaced every 6 weeks. Any extra C.M.B. PheroLure ™ should be kept in its individual foil pouch in a fridge in order to prolong its shelf.

Identification

The female Citrus Mealy Bug is wingless. The Citrus Mealy bug grows up to 3mm long and 1.5mm wide.

The male Citrus Mealy Bug is small, but with its wings and tail it appears to be 4.5mm long. The eggs are oblong in shape and yellow in colour. The tiny crawler is oval and yellow with red eyes and the antennae are distinct. The female nymphs resemble the larger adult females. The male nymphs are narrower and often occur in a loose cocoon.

How, Where & When to hang traps

• How: Always hang the trap on the side of the tree at middle height for maximum airflow to distribute the attractant across the field (the pheromone molecules are heavier than air molecules), out of the way of spray machines and dusty roads. Secure the trap firmly to the pole or stand so that it does not sway in the wind. Identify each trap by a number and a specific block number for later reference.

• Where: A map layout of the field will assist in the correct placing of traps in the field. In fields which are uniform with respect to topography, size and windbreaks, hang traps at a density of 1 trap per 2.5-5 hectares for tree crops. This is the maximum area that can be monitored by a single trap. A higher density may be necessary in unevenly shaped fields; fields with excessive slopes or hollows where the prevailing wind may adversely affect trap catches.

• When: 1) Tree Crops: At beginning of production season or all year round.

Inspection & Maintenance of Traps

• Inspection: The traps must be inspected weekly on the same day on a weekly basis. The number of Citrus Mealy Bug males trapped on the trap, together with the trap number and date need to be recorded.

• Maintenance: The traps must be cleaned on a regular basis even if no males have been trapped. The trap tends to get clogged with dust and other foreign matter.

Interpretation of trap catches

• Consult your local pest control advisor.

Disposal of Lures

C.M.B. PheroLure ™ that is due for replacement or if no longer in use can be disposed of in the garbage. No special precautions are required as the C.M.B. PheroLure ™ is non-toxic.