ILT placement guidelines and tips

There are basically three types of insect light traps used in commercial accounts:

1. Electric grid traps (zappers) used mainly at entrances and in the backrooms,
2. Glue board traps used in sensitive areas and kitchens where zapped insect parts could be an issue, and
3. 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’s”

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’ts”

• 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.