Western Bean Cutworm Follow-Up: How to Construct Pheromone Trap

Sarah Schramm, Associate Research Specialist, Department of Entomology

Eileen Cullen, Extension Entomologist, Department of Entomology

On Februray 28 a successful Western Bean Cutworm (WBC) short course introduced farmers, consultants, and educators to this Midwestern pest.  The conference-call style course was led by Dr. Gary Hein (U. of Nebraska), Dr. Marlin Rice (Iowa State U.), David Feltes (U. of Illinois), Dr. Eileen Cullen (U. of Wisconsin), and Dr. Kevin Steffey (U. of Illinois).  Each member shared valuable information to help listeners better understand the nature and history of the WBC pest as well as how to identify, monitor, and treat economically damaging infestations.  From Kansas to Quebec, 119 locations registered for this event with 19 sites in Wisconsin.

PDF versions of the short course handouts are available here:

1_Introduction_and_Situation.pdf

2_History_Biology_Economic_Impact.pdf

3_Look_alikes.pdf

4_Managing_WBC.pdf

One question that has come up since the course is how to construct the pheromone traps for WBC moth scouting.  The simple design of these traps consists of a one-gallon milk jug, a pheromone lure, preserving solution, and a post to mount the trap on.  A summary of the trapping protocol is included below; for more complete instructions and pictures, view this PDF: Western Bean Cutworm trapping.pdf

To make a trap you will need:

• One-gallon plastic milk jug with lid

• Paper clip

• Western Bean Cutworm pheromone lure (see ordering info below)

• Antifreeze

• Dish soap

• Water

• 4-foot high post

• Wire (for mounting milk jug to post)

Directions:

• In the jug cut 4-inch by 4-inch square windows in all four sides, leaving a 2-inch space between the windows and the bottom of the jug

• Take paper clip and bend it into an “S-curve.”  Place pheromone on one end by puncturing the rubber with the end of the paper clip.  Puncture a small hole in the milk jug lid and attach the paper clip so that the pheromone lure hangs inside the jug.

• Mount jug on a 4-foot high post at the edge of the corn field you want to monitor.

• Fill the bottom of the milk jug with the preserving solution (4:1 mixture of water to antifreeze, plus a few drops of dish soap).

Notes:

-- Traps should be placed on July 1 to catch first moths of the WBC flight

-- Pheromone lures should be replaced after four weeks

-- Register your site and report your results at www.ent.iastate.edu/trap/westernbeancutworm/

Western Bean Cutworm Pheromone Lure Ordering Information:

Pheromone lures must be ordered over the phone.  They are available from Gemplers and Great Lakes IPM.  Gemplers sells them in a pack of 25 for $64.30 (call 1-800-382-8473, ask for Tech Services).  Great Lakes IPM sells them in a pack of 12 for $16 (call 1-800-235-0285).

Any other follow-up questions are welcome.  They can be sent to Dr. Eileen Cullen at cullen@entomology.wisc.edu.