Pheromone-based monitoring in stored product pests is implemented using what device?

• A. Sprays
• B. Traps
• C. Bait stations
• D. Monitoring cards

Answer: (B)

Pheromone-based monitoring relies on luring specific stored-product pests with a species-specific pheromone and capturing them in a trap to record their presence and activity over time. The device used for this purpose is a trap designed to hold the pheromone lure and capture insects, typically a sticky or panel trap that can be placed on shelves or hang in the storage area. By regularly checking the traps and counting the captured insects, you can detect whether a pest is present, estimate population levels, and track changes over time to guide control decisions. Sprays do not provide ongoing population data and are for immediate control, not monitoring. Bait stations are intended to attract pests to a toxic bait for kill, not for monitoring population dynamics. Monitoring cards aren’t the standard monitoring device for pheromone-based surveillance in stored products.