Many growers are being inventive and have been busy making a pest control system for the for the mass trapping of Asian bugs, also known as the brown marmorated sting bug. These consists only of a cloth and pheromones that can be handcrafted on the farm. A number of companies have already set up traps in recent months, and the first results have been satisfactory.
Gianni Gasperoni
“We started offering this type of trap last spring. We at L'Agrotecnica suggest a yellow viscous cloth for spring, when the juveniles are attracted by the bright colors, and then switch to black cloth for trapping the adults. However, yellow can also be chosen for late summer, because it works regardless,” explained technician Gianni Gasperoni. "
Types of self-made traps (photos provided by GG)
The sheets must be complemented by pheromones, which are the real bait for insects. Both pheromones and tarpaulins can be purchased from any dealer equipped for agriculture.
"As part of our policy, we sell sheets and pheromones for €29.50, which is very affordable. In Romagna and in areas where bugs are common, we recommend setting up these traps twice a year, in spring and late summer. In this way, for €59, you are protected for the whole season," said Gasperoni.
"The remaining part of the trap can be self-made. Some people use pallets for support, others build a structure with iron rods. The important thing is that underneath there is a large basin with water and detergent so that the bugs, as they fall, get stuck and die. The tank underneath can be made from any recycled material: old containers, cisterns or anything else, as the effectiveness is the same whether the material is new or reused,” added Gasperoni.
All types of traps self-made by farmers
Another important aspect is positioning. They should be placed outside orchards, in border areas, near bushes and hedges, houses, warehouses and any structure where insects find shelter during the winter.
Technician and farmer near a self-made trap prototype
"These traps, as we call them in Romagna, are optimal for reducing the bug population and are all the more effective the more they are used between adjacent farms. We don't speculate on the prices of tarpaulins and pheromones, precisely because we want them to be made by as many farmers as possible. In our area, some farms such as Santerini, Guidi and Innocenti are achieving excellent results, but it is important that all farms, large and small, equip themselves."
"In the same way, traps must be integrated with other means of control. The fight against the Asian bug must be continuous to be effective," concluded Gasperoni.
Per maggiori informazioni
L'Agrotecnica
Via Massa 1530
47020 Longiano (FC)
+39 0547.54044
lagro@lagrotecnica.com