Pheromone trap

Pheromone traps are very sensitive, meaning they attract insects present at very low densities.

They can be used for legal control, and are used to monitor the success of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program and the spread of the spongy moth.

This sensitivity is especially suited to some investigations of invasive species: Flying males are easily blown off course by winds.

Rather than introducing noise, Frank et al. 2013 find this can actually help detect isolated nests or populations and determine the length of time necessary between introduction and establishment.

Some pheromone-based pest control methods have been successful, usually those designed to protect enclosed areas such as households or storage facilities.