
Flying-Insect Trap Could Ease Lady Beetle
NuisanceBy Tara Weaver December 29, 1998WASHINGTON, Dec. 29A new indoor trap uses a blacklight to
capture flying insects, including a pesky ladybug species that sometimes
clusters inside homes, Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman announced today. The trap, invented by U.S. Department of
Agriculture scientists in Georgia, doesn't harm beneficial insects or use
chemical insecticide. Instead, flying insects attracted by the blacklight are
caught in a bag that has a non-stick surface. The insects are collected alive
for subsequent release or disposal. "Once commercially developed, this trap could provide relief to
homeowners annoyed by lady beetles that enter their homes in large numbers in
the fall, said Glickman. The insects are only seeking refuge from approaching
winter, but they are a serious nuisance for many Americans." In tests, the trap captured nearly 100 percent of Asian multicolored lady
beetles, known to scientists as Harmonia axyridis, an imported species. "We urge people not to kill these lady beetles. They're harmless,"
he said. "Outdoors, they are an environmentally sound and effective
natural control for harmful pests such as aphids, greenbugs and other insects that damage crops. Still,
indoors and in large numbers, they can be bothersome." If agitated or
squashed, the beetles can emit a foul smell and secrete a bright yellow
substance that stains walls and fabrics, he noted. Researchers have applied for a patent and USDA's
Agricultural Research Service is
currently evaluating applications from companies interested in licensing the
technology for commercial use. The new trap was developed by retired ARS scientist W. Louis Tedders,
formerly with ARS'
Southeastern
Fruit and Nut Research Laboratory, Byron, Ga. To date, Tedders said, no
available trap uses visual stimuli to catch almost 100 percent of flying
insects without allowing them to land outside the trap where they can possibly
damage furnishings. The new trap is small--about 12 by 24 inches--and can be easily assembled or
disassembled in as little as two minutes. If necessary, an insecticide can be
added inside the bag for killing harmful pests. Scientific contact: W. Louis Tedders (retired, ARS consultant), ARS
Southeastern
Fruit and Nut Research Laboratory, Byron, Ga., phone (912) 987-4262. Licensing contact: June Blalock, ARS
Office of Technology Transfer,
Beltsville, Md., phone (301) 504-5989, fax (301) 504-5060,
[email protected]. Story contacts Fruit and Nut Research U.S. Department of Agriculture | |