[ncsc-moths] Re: Baiting
- From: kjchilds <kjchilds@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: ncsc-moths@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:58:44 -0800 (PST)
I would think that you'd have to buy pheromones for each species you want to
attract and from what I've read, they don't pull moths in from very far away.
You're probably better off planting the types of flowers that they like to feed
on although I don't know where to go to find information on moth gardening.
Most
information available is on how to kill them, not attract them!
I've had good results on Squash Vine Borers with various herbs, mainly basil,
oregano and catnip. Once they find the flowers, they will come back day after
day.
Ken Childs
Henderson, TN
Chester County
http://www.finishflagfarms.com
________________________________
From: J. Merrill Lynch <jmerrilllynch@xxxxxxxxx>
To: ncsc-moths@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wed, February 16, 2011 3:54:45 PM
Subject: [ncsc-moths] Re: Baiting
Brian,
A good summary. Here's my two cents worth:
1) I know from my maple syrup tapping experience that moths are attracted to
sapsucker wells, at least those in sugar maple trees (and they love maple
sap--if I don't cover my buckets I can find literally dozens of pinions and
sallows floating in the buckets after a good sap run)
2) the sugar bait doesn't have to ferment although that probably helps; also,
it doesn't require alcohol--moths will come to "straight" bait attracted to
just
the sweet carbs
3) if you paint trees that are within the reach of your floodlights the moths
acclimate to the light and are less likely to fly away when you walk up;
4) moths seems to prefer edges and baiting trees on the edge of a clearing or
along a woods road seems to work best
5) experiment with different bait concoctions; I've read that certain species
seem to be attracted to different fruits for example
As a side note, I've also wondered about pheromone traps for day flying
Sessidae
(clear winged or wasp mimic moths). These are some of the most bizarre and
cool
moths that we have but almost all are day fliers and are not attracted to
lights
or sugar bait. In jolly old England, where mothing is on a much higher and
sophisticated plane, there are companies that sell pheromone lures to mothers
interested in attracting these species. I'm wondering if some of these lures
might be available from pest companies in the US for gardeners trying to get
rid
of moths such as the squash vine borer (Melittia cucurbitae).
Merrill
On Wed, Feb 16, 2011 at 4:11 PM, Brian Bockhahn <birdranger248@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I have summed and condensed what had ben posted or whats in print.
>
>Hows this sound? Am I missing anything I should include? I am going to
>experiment with all methods this year.
>
>
>BAITING MOTHS
>NATURAL ATTRACTANTS
>Moths are naturally attracted to the scents of flowers and tree sap from
>sapsucker wells, woodpecker holes and broken branches. Large hardwoods also
>have seep holes that attract hornets and brushfoot butterflies during the day.
>
>These areas can be located during the day and then re-visited at night. If
>one
>wanted they could drill their own holes in late winter and spring when the sap
>is flowing.
>SUGARING
>For those who live where sugar maples occur, maple sap, either from taps or
>from
>natural sources such as sapsucker wells, will attract moths in the late
>winter/early spring months when the sap starts running. Maple sap buckets can
>be filled with pinions and sallows in February and March.
>
>You can create your own “bait” by mixing various ingredients. Brown or white
>sugar usually makes up the largest percentage of the mix, with a variety of
>other ingredients mixed or blended in. The most vital step is to allow the
>bait
>to ferment. It can then be applied to a tree using a brush in a one foot
>square
>patch about 4-5 feet off the ground. The consistency should be gelatanous;
>you
>don’t want the bait to drip to the ground which would attract ants that
>detracts
>moths.
>· Brown or white sugar
>· Bananas, peaches or other fruit – over ripe
>· Molasses or maple syrup
>· Stale beer or wine
>
>Another method is to take cotton cord (about the diameter of a pencil), cut
>into
>1-2 foot long sections, dip in your fermented wine or juice, and hang on
>saplings and tree limbs along a path in the woods. A sponge soaked in
>fermented
>wine or juices/concoction and hung from a limb also works. Basically any
>concoction that includes sugar and rotten fruit that is in a fermentation
>stage
>will work; alcohol is not necessary.
>
>CHECKING YOUR BAIT
>Bait should be applied just before dusk, the first few hours of darkness are
>usually the most productive. A red lens covering over your flashlight or
>headlamp is preferred to not scare the moths away. A headlamp works well for
>detecting moths eyeshine at a distance, but is visible only to the one wearing
>the light. It is also helps to be quiet in your approach and voice. It helps
>if you place your baits along a familiar trail or field edge you are familiar
>with so you can safely follow and locate the baits.
>Depending on weather, you will need to re-apply your concoction every couple
>of
>nights or so. During the summer months, several species of Catocalas among
>others come to sugar bait but never to lights.
>
>--
>
>Brian Bockhahn
>State Park Ranger
>Falls Lake State Recreation Area
>birdranger248@xxxxxxxxx
>
>
--
J. Merrill Lynch
Echo Valley Farm
Watauga County, NC
Elevation: 3,400 feet
Other related posts:
