Monitoring Device Placement
Strategic positioning of glue boards, pheromone traps, and bait stations for maximum pest detection and population measurement.
Detailed Overview
Effective monitoring requires strategic device placement. General rules: (1) Along walls where pests travel - most insects and rodents follow edges. (2) Near suspected harborage - higher catch rates. (3) Near entry points - detects pests entering. (4) Numbered and mapped - track which locations catch pests. Glue boards: for roaches and rodents. Place in corners, under sinks, behind appliances, along baseboards. Fold into tents for roaches (dark interior attracts them). Flat for rodents perpendicular to walls. Check weekly, replace monthly or when 50% covered. Pheromone traps: for stored product pests. Hang from ceiling or place on shelves per manufacturer instructions. Typically 1 trap per 1000-2000 sq ft. Replace lures every 6-12 weeks. Rodent bait stations: place along travel routes where droppings observed. 15-30 feet apart for mice, 50-100 feet for rats. Number all devices: allows tracking which locations catch pests identifying hot spots. Facility map: mark all device locations. Service report: record catches by device number. Data analysis: plot catch counts over time identifying trends, hot spots needing focused treatment, and effectiveness of control measures.
When to Use
Install monitoring devices as first step in IPM program. Number all devices and create facility map. Check devices during each service visit. Record all catches. Use catch data to guide treatment decisions and measure effectiveness.
Required Skill Level
Requires some training and experience in pest management
Benefits
- Early detection before visual infestations
- Identifies hot spots for focused treatment
- Quantifies population trends over time
- Measures treatment effectiveness objectively
- Provides data for customer reports and audits
- Guides future monitoring and treatment decisions
Limitations
- Requires disciplined data recording
- Device checking adds service time
- Devices need regular replacement
- Some pests not effectively monitored
- Data meaningless without consistent methodology
Related Concepts
Other techniques that may be useful
Crack and Crevice Treatment
Pesticide application method that places insecticides directly into cracks, crevices, and voids where pests hide, minimizing exposure to people and pets.
HEPA Vacuuming
Non-chemical pest removal using High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners to physically remove pests, eggs, droppings, and allergens.
Steam Cleaning
Non-chemical pest control using high-temperature steam to kill pests, eggs, and larvae on contact.