Evaluation of three types of barriers to trap winter moth (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) adults

Authors

  • Imre S. Otvos Pacific Forestry Centre Canadian Forestry Service Victoria, B.C.
  • Richard S. Hunt Pacific Forestry Centre Canadian Forestry Service Victoria, B.C.

Keywords:

winter moth, Lepidoptera, Geometridae

Abstract

Three types of barrier traps, Tanglefoot®, fiberglass and fiberglass sprayed with the insecticide Raid®, were tested at three locations, on eight trees each per treatment and location for a total of 72 trees, to determine their efficiency in preventing the flightless winter moth females from crawling higher up the tree to oviposit. The efficiency of the barrier was evaluated by counting the number of female winter moth adults caught 10-15 cm above the test barrier. Tanglefoot® was the most effective barrier. An average of 67.1 winter moth females managed to crawl over the fiberglass barrier compared to 3.6 females over the fiberglass barrier sprayed with Raid® and 1.1 females over the Tanglefoot® barrier. The differences among the average catches were significant (P<0.01) for the fiberglass barrier but not between the fiberglass barrier with Raid® and the Tanglefoot® barrier. We recommend that Tanglefoot® applied over a polyethylene strip, after the bark crevices have been plugged, be used to prevent winter moth females from crawling under the barrier. The Tanglefoot® barrier has the added advantages that it is cheap, non-toxic and, since it reduces or eliminates the need for insecticide application, it is fully compatible with biological control measures.

References

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Embree, D.G. and I.S. Otvos. 1984. Operophtera brumata (L.), winter moth (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). Ch. 61 (pp. 353-357). In: J.S. Kelleher and M.A. Hulme (eds.). Biological Control Programmes Against Insects and Weeds in Canada 1969-1980. Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux, Farnham Royal, England.

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Tonks, N.V., P.R. Everson, and T.L. Theaker. 1978. Efficacy of insecticides against geometrid larvae, Operophtera spp., on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. J. Entomol. Soc. Brit. Columbia 75:6-9.

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Published

2019-09-25

Issue

Vol. 83 (1986): Journal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia

Section

Articles

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