There are basically three types of insect light traps used in commercial accounts:
- Electric grid traps (zappers) used mainly at entrances and in the backrooms,
- Glue board traps used in sensitive areas and kitchens where zapped insect parts could be an issue, and
- Decorative traps used in front-of-house areas where appearance matters. Each account requires an inspection/evaluation and a trap placement plan.
ILT Placement “Do’sâ€
Do position units inside entry points into the facility to intercept flying insects when they enter and before they move deep into the facility.
- Do place traps to draw insects away from the food product in food processing areas.
- Do place traps so the light is projected onto walls and ceilings.
- Do use traps with shatterproof bulbs in areas with a “glass-free†policy.
- Do use splash-proof bulb traps in areas where hosing down and heavy washing may occur.
- Do use glue-board traps (not electric grid) in food prep areas.
- Do use enough trap units for the area you are trying to protect. Check manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Do place the unit at the right height for the insect you are trying to trap (less 1.8 metres for most flies; higher for moths; low behind counters for fruit flies) but make sure the trap is still accessible for service.
ILT Placement “Don’tsâ€
- Don’t place traps where the light could be obstructed by canopies, furniture, shelving, or hanging objects.
- Don’t place ILTs directly above food preparation areas or other sensitive sites.
- Don’t place electric grid traps closer than 1.5 metres from food prep areas.
- Don’t install traps too close to other light sources such as windows, doors, skylights, or industrial lights. Place them at right angles to windows; the light should not be visible from outside.
- Don’t place units in heavy traffic areas where they could be damaged by a forklift or other equipment. Ceiling hung traps may work in these sites.
- Don’t place units near air blower outlets or other strong air currents.
ILT placement guidelines and tips