Pheromone trap cluster caterpillar

The pheromone capsule of a cluster caterpillar is a rubbery substance imbued with the scent emitted by females to attract males. The pheromone is therefore species-specific. You cannot catch other moths with a pheromone-containing cluster caterpillar.

The males, attracted by the female sex pheromone, fly toward the scent and land on the adhesive plate. One pheromone capsule is effective for six weeks. After that, the pheromone capsule must be replaced with a new one.

The pheromone is placed directly on the adhesive base or in the pheromone holder under the roof of the pheromone trap.

What does the pheromone trap do?

A pheromone trap is a tool for reducing the Lobesia botrana population. The more males are captured, the fewer females can be fertilized. Less fertilization leads to fewer egg layings and therefore fewer harmful caterpillars.

If you hang the pheromone trap on time and consistently, you'll notice good results after three to four years of trapping. In our organic garden, our greenhouse was completely free of grapevine caterpillars after three years of trapping. You should hang the trap annually, even if the infestation is no longer present. This way, you'll be prepared if new grape leafrollers appear in your area. The risk of a new infestation is especially high if there are neglected greenhouses nearby.

Thanks to the pheromone trap, you'll know exactly when the cluster caterpillar's flight begins in your area. If you want to spray a product against cluster caterpillars, you can do so much more effectively thanks to this monitoring.

When to hang out the pheromone trap?

In a cold greenhouse or outdoors, hang the deltaval bunch caterpillar trap from early April to early August. In a heated greenhouse, hang the pheromone trap from early March. The moths hatch before the vines have any leaves, at temperatures of 10°C or above.

With global warming, we notice that flights are starting earlier and lasting longer.

In our country, there are normally two generations per year. In southern countries, there are three generations of this leafroller, and it's best to hang pheromone traps until early September.

Can I hang a pheromone trap later than mid-April?

Absolutely! The peak flight of the cluster caterpillar is in May and June. So it's definitely worthwhile to hang a pheromone trap during this period. The following year, it's best to hang the trap early.

How many traps should I hang?

In Belgium, Lobesia botrana is primarily a problem in greenhouses. Hang one trap per 140 m² greenhouse. For outdoor grape cultivation, hang 40 traps per hectare.

Storing pheromones

Store the pheromone capsule in a sealed container in the freezer to maximize the pheromone scent. You can use pheromone capsules stored in the freezer the year of purchase and the following year. Never store pheromone capsules at room temperature for extended periods, as this will cause the pheromone to lose its effectiveness.

Buy pheromones separately

Since the delta trap can easily be used for three years, you can purchase the adhesive bases and pheromones separately in our webshop.