Back in the late ’50’s, some eggheads figured out that a great way to pick-up a member of the opposite sex at a bar would be if the seeker splashed on some pheromones. Like magic, they claimed, another person would be attracted to them, they’d date, get married, have children and be forced to take out a mortgage.

Wiki explains:

“In animals, sex pheromones indicate the availability of the female for breeding. Male animals may also emit pheromones that convey information about their species and genotype. While humans are highly dependent upon visual cues, when in close proximity smells also play a big role in socio-sexual behaviors.”

Like she said.

Mating

Whether it’s in mammals or bugs, a little dose of this naturally occurring substance can draw things to a place where you want them.

Ever seen a line of ants crawling from one place to another like tiny troops. Pheromones. That makes the chemical a terrific tool for pest control professionals to utilize in order to trap pantry beetles, flies, pantry moths and cockroaches among other bugs. One warning: Since it draws these beasts to the target, you want to make sure that bugs or pests from miles around don’t catch a whiff and invade en masse looking for a good time.

Traps

A pheromone trap usually looks like some sticky tape that when the monsters come calling, they get attached to the glue and can’t escape. Sex pheromones are types of smells that the female usually trickles-out, cueing the males that it’s whoopee-time. Think of it as a “sting operation.”

The marketplace is smitten with these kinds of devices. One reason it’s a good idea to get a pest control expert involved. You don’t want to be getting rid of one bug only to find that another insect — that’s never been in the area — comes calling with flowers and chocolates because, they too, like the cut of your jib.

It’s not rocket surgery how these pheromone traps are used. It merely depends on which type the bug control pro decides to use for your particular problem. Could be sticky paper. Could be something that hangs on a tree that urges the males to come courting and shuts the door after they entered their love nest. The professionals will install these traps near the point of infestation. After that, it’s simple biology. If there are no males to help make bug babies, the population goes down and the old maids end-up playing Bridge until their time runs out.

Make sure there’s a touch of air flow so the pheromone can be transmitted to the horny guys. And they work both indoors and out.

Effective?

You betcha. When your pest management agent does the inventory, they post a few of these love shacks around areas where the trouble-makers hang-out. While the traps are non-toxic, you still may have to get a follow-up visit from Vulcan Termite and Pest Control to spritz some insecticide around to kill-off any hatchlings.

As always, keep a tidy ship once the buggers have gone to pleasure heaven. Don’t leave food lying around. Wipe-off all counters. In so many words, develop some good cleaning habits.

A clean house is more appealing to us humans anyway. Just don’t spray any insect pheromones on yourself before you go out for a night on the town. You don’t want to come home with a roach, no matter how rich her daddy may be.

Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/garden-pest-control/using-pheromones-to-stop-pests/