FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How should I store the lure until use? How long does the lure remain effective if left unopened?
The safest way to store the lures is in a freezer at −5 to −10°C (23 to 14°F), without opening the sealed aluminum foil pouch. When stored under these conditions, the lures remain effective for at least one year.
The shelf life of individual lures at room temperature may vary depending on the target species. Specific storage recommendations for each lure are always provided in the instructions included with the product. The same guide also contains information on the lure’s effective field life after deployment. These instructions are supplied with the lures and are also available for download from our website.
How long does the lure remain effective after opening?
In most cases, a single lure remains effective for at least one pest flight period (typically 4–6 weeks). Information about the effective field life of each lure after deployment can be found in the species-specific instructions included with the product and available for download from our website.
How many traps should I place for an area of this size?
To ensure reliable forecasting, even in a relatively small home garden, we recommend operating at least two traps simultaneously. In a uniform orchard, one pair of traps is sufficient for an area of 4–6 hectares. The traps should be placed as far apart from each other as possible, as this makes the recorded data more representative of the entire area.
If the area is heterogeneous (for example, hilly or uneven terrain), it is advisable to install multiple pairs of traps, as differences in microclimate can affect pest flight patterns and the timing of flight initiation.
Which trap type should I choose when both funnel and sticky traps are available for a species?
The answer depends on the purpose of trapping. If your goal is only to detect the presence of a pest in time (monitoring/detection), you can use a sticky trap type.
Our funnel traps are high-capacity, non-saturating trap types. They are used when the goal is to capture a large number of individuals. Therefore, these traps are ideal for monitoring pest flight activity. They do not contain a sticky surface, making them easier to handle (no more sticky fingers!), and they can also be successfully used in dusty environments (e.g. storage facilities). However, for certain species, it may be necessary to kill the insects that enter the trap. In our product lists, this requirement is indicated by a “+” symbol after the trap code name.
For non-saturating trap types, it is possible to replace the lure. Once the effective period of a lure has expired, the old lure can simply be replaced with a fresh one. This makes operating these trap types significantly more economical, as long as the trap body is handled carefully, it can be reused in the following year with a new lure; HOWEVER, ONLY for monitoring the same pest species for which it was used the previous year.
Without experimental testing, it is impossible to predict whether a specific trap type is suitable for catching a particular pest species. The trap type(s) recommended for the pests listed in our product catalogue have been selected based on the results of our careful optimization studies. We strongly recommend using a given pest lure ONLY with the trap type(s) specifically recommended for that pest in our product catalogue.
Can I use traps or lures left over from last year this season?
The recommended usage period of our sticky traps is the same as the effective lifespan of the lure placed inside them. After this period, we recommend disposing of the traps together with the used lure. Therefore, when used according to the instructions, sticky traps cannot be reused for a new season.
For non-saturating trap types, however, the lure can be replaced. Once the effective period of a lure has expired, the old lure can be replaced with a fresh one. This makes these trap types significantly more economical to operate, as the trap body can be reused in the following year if handled carefully and fitted with a new lure.
There is one important rule to follow: ONLY THE LURE OF THE SAME SPECIES for which the trap was previously used may be placed in the trap! Contamination from the attractant of certain species can become absorbed into the trap material and may reduce or completely block the effectiveness of another species’ attractant. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow this rule. This contamination cannot be detected by human senses and cannot be removed by washing.
If the remaining lures have been stored in a freezer at −5 to −10°C (23 to 14°F), without opening the sealed aluminum foil pouch, they can also be used during the following growing season.
Why can’t replacement lures be ordered for sticky traps?
We do not recommend replacing the lure in sticky traps because the adhesive material can easily absorb the odor compounds released from the lure. The presence of attractant residues from another species can reduce or completely block the effectiveness of the attractant for the species currently being monitored. It is enough to accidentally place a lure for a different species into a trap during replacement, and the trap’s attraction can be weakened or completely eliminated without us even noticing… while insects certainly will.
Since sticky traps carry the highest risk of this type of “cross-contamination,” the recommended usage period of these trap types is, for safety reasons, the same as the effective lifespan of the lure. After this period, the trap should be removed from the area together with the used lure.
For species that can only be monitored with sticky traps (see our product lists), we are unable to provide replacement lures due to quality protection and safety considerations.
We cannot guarantee the effectiveness of a lure that has been replaced in a sticky trap.
How often should the catches in the deployed traps be checked?
Whenever possible, check the catches in the traps as frequently as possible, but at least twice a week. This allows you to monitor the development of the pest flight period step by step. For certain species, such as the cotton bollworm, it is advisable to take control measures immediately after detecting the first individuals, making it essential to identify the very beginning of the flight period. Trap monitoring is only successful if the population size and the exact progress of the flight activity are carefully and consistently observed.
Can I eradicate the pest using my traps?
The majority of our traps are primarily designed for monitoring pest flight activity, assessing the population size of the target species, and detecting the beginning of the flight period. In special cases, for species that can also be captured with non-saturating trap types, and where this is indicated in the species-specific instructions, our traps may also be suitable for reducing pest populations. (The instructions are included with the lures and are also available for download from our website.)
How do I replace the lure?
The aluminum foil pouch containing the lure should only be opened at the moment of trap deployment or when replacing the lure. After opening, make sure never to touch the part containing the active substance (such as the rubber dispenser or other type of release device) with your fingers, as some of the scent molecules may transfer onto your hands, which could later cause “cross-contamination” of another species’ lure. Always remove the lure from the pouch by holding only the plastic handle!
The method of attaching the lure to the trap varies depending on the trap type. In every case, carefully follow the assembly instructions provided for the correct attachment, as this is a key factor in successful trapping. Throughout the entire process, make sure not to touch the part containing the active substance.
Can the trap catch other species besides the one it was ordered for?
In addition to the target species, other insect species may accidentally enter and become trapped in the trap.
In some cases, certain components of a species’ attractant may overlap with those of other species. In such situations, the trap may also attract other species to a lesser extent. The species-specific instructions provided with each trap contain detailed information about the selectivity of the trap. (The instructions are included with the lures and are also available for download from our website.)
What is included in a package?
A package contains 2 traps, their accessories, and 2 lures (provided that a lure is already available for the specific species). Each package includes a description of the target species and trap assembly instructions. For sticky RAG traps, the package contains a total of 4 pairs of sticky sheets.
Is it necessary to add a killing agent to the traps?
For certain species, using a killing method in non-saturating, non-sticky trap types can increase the number of captured individuals. Our product lists indicate with a “+” symbol after the trap code name (e.g. VARL+, VARb3+, VARs+, KLP+, etc.) which species require the insects entering the trap to be killed.
This can be achieved in a completely environmentally friendly way by adding a water-based solution to the trap’s collection container (e.g. 3–4 dl of tap water + 1–2 drops of dishwashing liquid, which helps the insects drown). Naturally, this killing solution should be replaced or topped up approximately once a week (more frequently during hot summer weather) due to evaporation losses and the decomposition of dead insects. This method is labour-intensive and highly dependent on environmental conditions.
If using a killing solution is inconvenient for any reason, international experience has shown that another effective method is to thoroughly spray the inside of the trap with a household insecticide spray (containing active ingredients such as empenthrin, permethrin, deltamethrin, etc.) and repeat the treatment every 8–10 days.
Can I order replacement sticky sheets separately?
Naturally, replacement sticky sheets can be ordered separately for all sticky trap types. The minimum order quantity is one pair. The exact prices of replacement sticky sheets are listed on our order form.
How can I order the traps?
Use the order form, or place your order by email at order@csalomon.com.
If you cannot find a particular item, or if you have any questions about our products that are not answered on our website, please contact our customer service using the contact details provided.
Which bank account should I transfer the payment for the traps to?
Our bank account number is provided on the invoice sent together with the traps. When making a bank transfer, please make sure to enter the invoice number shown on your invoice in the payment reference field to help us identify your payment.
Can I pay by cash on delivery?
No
When will I receive the traps?
We try to deliver within a week from the order/payment date in every case.
How is the package delivered?
We are using UPS for the delivery.
When will I receive the invoice?
The final printed invoice is included in the package containing the ordered items.
What shipping costs should I expect?
The proforma invoice always contains the shipping cost as well.
When should I order traps for a specific species?
Before ordering from us, if necessary, feel free to contact our expert colleagues, who can provide information related to the current wiring in your country.