Trapping mold mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae), for IPM decisions: effect of trap placement and trap design

Fumigation with methyl bromide is the most effective method to manage infestation of the mold (or ham) mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Acaridae), a serious pest of dry-cured ham and other high protein and/or moisture foods.  However, methyl bromide is being phased out as part of the Montreal Protocol, due to its ozone–depleting ability and integrated pest management (IPM) methods for the mite must be developed. Trap design, location and distance from food source are factors reported to affect insect capture. There is no such report on T. putrescentiae, hence this study was to determine the trap design and/or trap placement that would maximize trap capture in a simulated mite environment.  Prototype mite trap developed in our laboratories was compared with three other traps: a variation of the prototype trap and two commercial insect traps, Dome trap and X-lure multispecies trap. All traps were baited with food bait developed in our laboratories.

Results indicated that more mites were caught in traps placed along wall than those away from wall. The prototype trap captured more mites. Mites were captured in traps placed two meters from food source within 24 hours. Prototype traps deployed in a local store recorded zero to tens of mites depending on traps’ proximity to food sources. Facility managers may place traps along walls to maximize trap capture. This may be a better representation of mite density and population dynamics, hence, determine when management methods such as fumigation and sanitation are required.