Color Attractancy & Target Pests
Different insect species possess specific spectral sensitivities. Yellow sticky pads exploit the positive phototactic response of foliage-feeding sucking pests, whereas blue sticky pads target specific wavelength preferences.
Using color-coded adhesive traps enables farmers to detect initial pest migrations into crops days before noticeable foliar damage occurs, reducing unnecessary preventative chemical sprays.
- Yellow Sticky Pads: Highly attractive to whiteflies, aphids, leafhoppers, gnats, and leafminers
- Blue Sticky Pads: Specifically tuned to attract and capture western flower thrips and onion thrips
- Adhesive Quality: Coated with weather-proof, non-drying polybutene glue that withstands sunlight and rain
- Material: Durable recyclable polypropylene (PP) plastic resistant to field weathering
Installation Height, Spacing & Density Guidelines
Proper trap placement directly governs catch efficiency. In open fields and polyhouses, traps should be positioned approximately 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) above the active plant canopy.
As the crop grows in height, traps must be raised periodically to remain at canopy level where adult flying pests navigate between plants.
- Monitoring Density: 4 to 8 traps per acre for early pest detection and threshold scouting
- Mass Trapping Density: 20 to 30 traps per acre in high-infestation zones and greenhouses
- Orientation: Orient traps facing east-west to catch prevailing insect flight patterns while avoiding direct scorching sun
- Replacement: Replace once 70% of the adhesive surface is covered with insects or dust
Integration in Zero-Residue & Export Farming
Because sticky traps rely solely on mechanical adherence rather than chemical toxicity, they introduce zero toxic residues into crops, soils, or groundwater. This makes them indispensable in export-oriented horticulture.
Combining sticky pads with pheromone lures and natural predators creates an effective biological control barrier, significantly lowering synthetic pesticide dependency.
- Zero Residue: Completely safe for certified organic farming, residue-free exports, and polyhouse cultivation
- Beneficial Safety: Placed at canopy height to minimize accidental entrapment of larger pollinators like bees
- Cost Efficiency: Inexpensive, reusable frames with replaceable adhesive sheets
Official source
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National Centre for Integrated Pest Management (ICAR-NCIPM) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Why are some sticky traps yellow while others are blue?
Yellow traps attract a broad range of sucking pests like whiteflies and aphids, while blue traps specifically attract thrips, which are highly sensitive to blue light wavelengths.
How high above crops should sticky pads be hung?
They should be hung roughly 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) above the top of the crop canopy and raised progressively as the crop increases in height.
Do sticky pads lose their adhesive power in rain?
No, commercial agricultural sticky traps utilize non-drying, water-resistant entomological glue that remains tacky through rain showers and humid conditions.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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