Use at least one card per 1,000 sq. ft., with additional cards near vents, door and over insect-sensitive plant species or cultivars. You may need more cards to help gather information at your production range. If using parasitic wasps, it is advisable to limit the amount of sticky cards, as they will also be trapped on the cards.
Cards should be monitored weekly to track insect population development trends. Spot check cards twice a week with increasing temperatures and insect development. More frequent inspections will also allow quicker identification of localized infestations where spot treatments may be beneficial.
You can use a hand lens to see the identifying characteristics of insects caught on the cards. With practice, it becomes much easier to distinguish a shorefly from a fungus gnat or thrips from a grain of peat moss. It is helpful to record species and number of pests in order to create an effective IPM Program where needed.
Aim to change the cards weekly as the card surface will become coated with debris and lose their effectiveness in insect trapping.
For Best Results: for stalked or tied plants, position the top of the stick card slightly above the top of the plant canopy. For potted plants, position the bottom of the sticky card a few inches above the plant canopy.
If you would like to speak to an expert to discuss your results and to produce a tailor-made IPM program to meet your individual needs, please email us at orders@kisorganics.com or call us at (425) 558-0990.