Pheromone Traps for Stored Product Pest Monitoring: A Complete Guide 2026

Professionals in the food industry pest control sector understand the critical importance of timely monitoring for stored product insect infestations. The Tobaguard line by Russell IPM, distributed by HI-PRO-CHEM SRL, offers three glue-trap and pheromone solutions designed to selectively intercept the most problematic species for the food industry, mills, pasta factories, bakeries, and retail points of sale. RED, GREEN, and BLUE share the same construction format but differ in their pheromone composition and, consequently, in the spectrum of pests they can monitor. Let's examine each one individually.

Tobaguard RED — The Specific Trap for Lasioderma serricorne

Tobaguard RED is designed for a single, well-defined target: Lasioderma serricorne, the cigarette beetle. This is one of the most feared pests in tobacco factories, but also in mills, pasta factories, bakeries, and dry food warehouses.

The active ingredient is serricornin (CAS 99945-27-4 / 92999-14-9), a synthetic pheromone identical to the natural one produced by the species. It acts as a specific attractant to lure the insect into the trap, where it remains trapped in the grid-patterned adhesive layer (useful for facilitating catch counts).

Being monospecific, Tobaguard RED is the ideal choice when the client needs to monitor exclusively this beetle, avoiding 'background noise' from other species and obtaining cleaner, more targeted field data.

Tobaguard GREEN — The Broad-Spectrum Trap

Tobaguard GREEN is designed to cover a wider range of species. Its pheromone is a combination of two components:

• Serricornin (CAS 99945-27-4 / 92999-14-9), for Lasioderma serricorne;
• Z,E-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate [Z9E12-14Ac] (CAS 30507-70-1), an attractant for various stored product moths.

This mix makes GREEN effective against Lasioderma serricorne, Cadra spp., Ephestia elutella, Ephestia kuehniella, and Plodia interpunctella, thus covering both the classic cigarette beetle and the main moth pests of flours, pasta, cereals, and dried fruit.

It is the most versatile trap in the range: where the pest control operator does not know in advance which species is prevalent, or where multiple species are present simultaneously, GREEN allows for broad-spectrum monitoring with a single device, simplifying the management of control points.

Tobaguard BLUE — The Dedicated Moth Trap

Tobaguard BLUE focuses exclusively on Lepidoptera, excluding Lasioderma. The pheromone consists solely of Z,E-9,12-tetradecadienyl acetate [Z9E12-14Ac] (CAS 30507-70-1), active against Cadra spp., Ephestia elutella, Ephestia kuehniella, and Plodia interpunctella.

This is the trap of choice when the problem specifically involves moths (for example, in environments with flours, semolina, dried fruit, or similar products). It provides a clear and accurate picture of the moth population without interference from beetles, allowing for targeted and effective control measures.

Practical Considerations for Pest Control Professionals

Choosing the right pheromone trap is essential for an effective monitoring program. Here are some key points to consider:

• Identify the target species: Conduct an initial inspection to determine which pests are present. If only cigarette beetles are found, RED is the best choice. If moths are the primary concern, BLUE is ideal. For mixed infestations or unknown scenarios, GREEN offers the broadest coverage.
• Placement matters: Place traps in areas where pests are likely to travel, such as near entry points, storage areas, and processing equipment. Avoid placing traps directly in drafts or direct sunlight, as this can reduce pheromone effectiveness.
• Monitor regularly: Check traps weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the level of infestation. Record catch counts to track population trends over time. This data is invaluable for assessing the effectiveness of your control measures.
• Replace traps as needed: Pheromone lures typically last 4-8 weeks, depending on environmental conditions. Replace the entire trap or the lure according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure consistent attraction.
• Integrate with other methods: Pheromone traps are a monitoring tool, not a standalone control solution. Use them in conjunction with sanitation, exclusion, and other integrated pest management (IPM) practices for best results.

For those dealing with outdoor pests, such as raccoons, we also offer guidance on the best poison for raccoons to protect your property.

Additional Resources

For more information on pest control strategies, check out our articles on yard and outdoors pest management and home and garden pest control tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do Tobaguard pheromone traps last?

The pheromone lures in Tobaguard traps are effective for approximately 4-8 weeks under normal conditions. However, high temperatures or strong air currents can shorten this lifespan. It is recommended to replace the traps or lures according to the manufacturer's guidelines to maintain optimal performance.

2. Can I use Tobaguard traps outdoors?

No, Tobaguard traps are designed for indoor use only, specifically in food processing facilities, warehouses, mills, bakeries, and retail stores. Outdoor use would expose the traps to weather conditions that could degrade the pheromone and adhesive, reducing effectiveness.

3. Are Tobaguard traps safe for use around food?

Yes, when used according to the label instructions, Tobaguard traps are safe for use in food handling and storage areas. The pheromones are non-toxic and species-specific, posing no risk to humans, pets, or food products. However, traps should be placed away from direct contact with food to avoid contamination.

4. How do I know which Tobaguard trap to choose?

Start by identifying the pest species present in your facility. Use a flashlight and inspection tools to look for live insects, larvae, or damage. If you find only cigarette beetles (Lasioderma serricorne), choose RED. If you find only moths (such as Indian meal moths or Mediterranean flour moths), choose BLUE. If you find both or are unsure, GREEN is the best all-around choice.

5. Can I reuse Tobaguard traps?

No, Tobaguard traps are single-use devices. Once the adhesive surface is covered with insects or dust, or after the pheromone lure has expired, the trap should be discarded and replaced. Reusing traps would compromise monitoring accuracy and effectiveness.

Author: Paulo Vivere