Mass trapping and mating disruption to control Cadra cautella (Walker) in a confectionery factory

A mass trapping system was established in a chocolate factory to control Cadra cautella, using plastic containers filled with water. In order to interfere with mating, a mating disruption system was applied in a confined area. Results confirmed that water is a considerable attractant for almond moth: a great number of males and females were caught, while the pheromone traps, placed in the same areas, caught a limited number of males. The analysis of females allowed to determine the mating status: the most part of caught females was mated; in the area where mating disruption was applied the percentage of unmated females was higher as compared with the control area. The use of water as mass trapping system and mating disruption allow to eliminate large number of females and to reduce mating. Mass trapping and mating disruption can be taken into account in the IPM program.