Materials: The trap is hung directly from a 12" wire hangar which in turn is hung from one 2" by 2" by 2’ crossbar attached to the top of a post. The post can be 2" by 2" by 6’ lumber, sharpened on one end and driven into the ground aproximatly six inches. The right angle corner of the crossbar and post should be reinforced using a 6" by 6" by ¼" or 3/8" plywood square. Fastening these materials together is accomplished using two or four # 20 nails or comparable wood screws. Trap should hang, from wire hanger, at about 2 ½’ to 3’ from ground surface. Consider the forces of wind, rain and animals when assembling and positioning structure.

Trap management: Caution must be employed when setting up, emptying and removing traps. Insect chemoreceptors are very sensitive to traces of the mating pheromone. It is estimated that they can detect pheromones at levels of 1 part per thousand. If one type of pheromone is handled along with another they can become mixed or one pheromone will blanket another. This will confuse cutworm moths and affect moth counts. To reduce the possibility that the pheromones will become contaminated handle one type of pheromone at a time. Clean hands between types, have two sets of gloves (one set of gloves per pheromone) or use throw away gloves to isolate pheromones from one another. At the end of the season clean traps and related equipment in hot water and bleach.

Trap placement: The moths smell the pheromone carried by prevailing winds. A moth will be attracted to the trapping site only after it has crossed the pheromone scent which has spread down wind from the trapping site. Once it senses the pheromone it will then attempt to travel upwind to the source. It is important to place the traps in a location that reduces physical barriers to wind flow and flying moths as much as possible. Alternate AC and PWC traps every 30 feet, and not closer than 3 feet from other structures (i.e. fence post). Try to maximize distance from other wind obstructions, trees or hills.

Data collection: Trapped moths should be counted and disposed of weekly if possible, record numbers of moths for each date and site and submit report. Forms for data recording should be of a uniform design and supplied by the person(s) who will manage data entry. A form that facilitates a running tally is best. If possible, please use the same general area for placing the traps this year as you did last year. It is also important to place the same pheromone in the same trap (i.e. don't place a pale western pheromones in an army cutworm trap). Remember to wash hands to prevent contaminating AC pheromones with PWC pheromones.