Plan trap coverage for beds, tunnels, and borders. Pick goals, set pressure, see recommended counts. Export results, track changes, and act before outbreaks start.
These sample scenarios show how inputs change trap counts.
| Scenario | Area | Goal | Pressure | Type | Zones | Perimeter | Recommended traps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small bed monitoring | 120 sqm | Detection | Low | Sticky | 2 | Included (no length) | 3 |
| Greenhouse early warning | 450 sqm | Detection | Medium | Pheromone | 3 | 80 m | 8 |
| High pressure mass trapping | 800 sqm | Mass | High | Light | 4 | 120 m, 10 m spacing | 44 |
The calculator starts with a base coverage per trap, then adjusts for canopy and trap type.
TypeEffect assumes pheromone and light traps are more targeted, so they can reduce trap count slightly in planning.
Trap counts convert scattered sightings into measurable pressure. With enough traps, weekly catches become comparable across beds, seasons, and cultivars. That consistency supports timely scouting, targeted sanitation, and better spray or exclusion timing. Keeping a stable sampling density also reduces “false calm” periods caused by too few traps.
Early-season monitoring can use wider coverage because the goal is detection. As fruiting begins, thresholds often tighten because pest damage carries higher economic and aesthetic risk. Split large gardens into zones so high-risk edges and hotspots do not hide in averages. In mixed plantings, prioritize susceptible crops and entrances where pests first appear.
Place traps at canopy height where the target pest flies or crawls. Keep spacing consistent, avoid direct irrigation spray, and label each zone. If catches cluster, add a few traps near the hotspot rather than shifting every trap and losing trend continuity. Avoid placing traps right beside compost piles or bright lights that can skew captures.
Use weekly totals per trap and per zone. A sudden jump can indicate migration, a nearby breeding source, or canopy changes. Confirm with visual scouting before major interventions. When counts drop after action, keep a baseline density to verify control holds. For decision-making, track a rolling two-week average and compare zones, not just totals.
Store results with dates, zone notes, and weather context. Comparing “traps per 100 sqm” helps standardize across different garden sizes. Over time, you can tune spacing every season, select more targeted trap types, and identify the weeks when perimeter interception pays off most. A quarterly review of logs can highlight recurring entry points and the most effective spacing.
| Week | Zone | Traps deployed | Total catches | Catches per trap | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Bed A | 3 | 6 | 2.0 | Low activity, continue monitoring |
| Week 2 | Bed A | 3 | 18 | 6.0 | Spike detected, scout and remove infested leaves |
| Week 3 | Border | 4 | 28 | 7.0 | Edge pressure, add sanitation and tighten spacing |
If pests migrate from surrounding areas, perimeter traps improve early detection. In enclosed gardens or screened houses, you can reduce edge traps and focus on internal hotspots.
Check weekly for monitoring, and more often during outbreaks. Replace when adhesive is dusty, lures expire, or catches saturate the trap surface and reduce capture efficiency.
Dense foliage creates sheltered flight paths and reduces visibility. More trap points help represent the whole canopy and prevent one trap from being overloaded while nearby areas remain unmeasured.
Yes. Use targeted lures for specific pests and general sticky traps for broad monitoring. Record trap type by zone so weekly counts remain comparable and you can interpret trends correctly.
Action levels vary by pest and crop stage. Look for rapid week-to-week increases or sustained high catches per trap, then confirm with scouting before making a larger intervention plan.
Keep baseline traps elsewhere, then add a small cluster near the hotspot. Pair trapping with sanitation, weed control, and crop inspection so you reduce breeding sources, not just captures.
Yes. Wind, heavy rain, and overhead irrigation can reduce catches or damage adhesive surfaces. Note weather events in your log, and reposition traps to sheltered locations for more stable readings.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.