Stuck On You

Glue traps are commonly used to monitor for insect, rodents, and other things. These can accumulate ants, spiders, cockroaches, mice, dirt, carpet fibers, children’s toys, pet hair, and several other items that may or may not related to pest management. In my tenure as a pest professional, I stand by the importance of using these devices to find pest infestations.

I recently posted a picture and asked, “Who dates their glue boards?” There were a variety of responses: some written, some in emoji form, some for the practice, some against. Some commentors were roasted and bashed for their opinions. Some were cheered for believing that everyone should add dates and their initials to the paper glue monitoring device every time. The differing opinions shows that each pest control operator was trained according to their company programs. I had no idea that a simple question and a basic picture would cause so much controversy.

When I was learning about pest control techniques, programs, and standard practices, a supervisor called attention to glue board monitoring. Adding dates and initialing them will let you know how long it’s been in place, who last checked the device, and how severe (or not) the pest pressure is. I have heard comments such as “based on the direction an insect is facing, you can judge the direction of the harborage”. That statement sounds true enough. At least if a glue trap is being used, those catches will reduce some of the population while treatment is being done.

My company deploys glue boards in all accounts, commercial and residential, when and where it is feasible. We gain the information needed to ensure proper identification of the pest, proper location of the harborage site, proper treatment plans, efficacy of treatment, and we have caught a few Legos. In my opinion: Deployment of insect or pest monitoring glue board IS A TREATMENT PLAN!

For audit purposes? Yes
For inspection criteria? Yes
To find the infestation? Yes
To understand the trending? Yes
Knowing what happens between services? PRICELESS!

Each pest management professional should defer to their company’s protocols when using glue traps. When used as intended, they can be beneficial. Frequent and adequate communication between the pest management company and their commercial customer will reveal audit standards regarding glue trap use. Residential clients can be skittish about glue boards, as some feel they are inhumane. Most importantly, understand the risk and reward, and use accordingly.

One thing is sure: pest management professionals stick together for the greater good of the clients we serve.