[ncsc-moths] Re: Baiting
- From: "J. Merrill Lynch" <jmerrilllynch@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: ncsc-moths@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:54:45 -0500
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:
