When possible, avoid placing traps right after a pesticide application. First, because most pesticides require a few days to show control. Be consistent in how you use the traps to get an accurate picture of any changes in pest status. Much of what these insects do is directed by certain chemical odors. The odors tell them where to find food, or a mate, or others of their own kind.
Pheromones are the natural scents insects use to communicate with each other.
Science has discovered how to isolate or mimic some of these pheromones and incorporate them into traps. Certain pests are strongly attracted to the traps, providing an extremely effective early warning system. There are many different styles of traps, the most common being hanging traps. These have a sticky surface and a small lure that contains the pheromone to attract certain flying insect pests. Another common type of trap is the pitfall, which lures crawling insects into a container filled with oil.