---

Why combine attractants?

Sex pheromones are highly specific and attract only male insects of a particular species. Food attractants, on the other hand, can lure both sexes and multiple species. By combining the two, we increase the trap’s overall effectiveness, capturing more individuals and even non-target pest species that may be present.

How the synergy works

When a food attractant is added to a pheromone trap:

• Female insects may be lured by the food odor, increasing total catch.
• Non-mating males attracted to food will also be captured.
• Trap visibility and effectiveness improve significantly in low-density populations.

This synergy enhances detection, mass trapping, and control strategies.

Examples of effective combinations

Some proven combinations include:

• Tuta absoluta: pheromone + ammonium bicarbonate in tomato crops.
• Drosophila suzukii: food-based vinegar lures + fruit volatiles.
• Rhynchophorus ferrugineus: aggregation pheromone + sugar-based bait.
• Fruit flies (Ceratitis, Bactrocera): methyl eugenol + protein hydrolysate.

Each pest species may require tailored blends for best results.

Types of food attractants used

• Fermented substances (e.g., wine, vinegar, beer).
• Fruit-based lures (banana, peach, citrus extracts).
• Ammonia or protein-based baits.
• Synthetic blends mimicking food odors.

Food lures are especially useful in orchards, greenhouses, and urban gardens.

Advantages of combining pheromones and food

• Wider spectrum of capture (males + females).
• Increased trap longevity.
• Better detection in early infestations.
• Enhanced control during low pest pressure periods.

This integrated approach is ideal for IPM programs aiming at long-term sustainable pest control.

Conclusion

Combining sex pheromones with food attractants is a powerful strategy that amplifies trapping results, supports early detection, and improves pest suppression. In the next article, we’ll focus on how to use pheromones in greenhouse environments effectively.

---