Two new Methods of trapping the Cacao Moth (Ephestia cautella)

Abstract

1. Two new methods of trapping Ephestia cautella adults in cacao stores are described.2. In the first method, devised by Mr. J. K. B. Lee, broom strands are treated with an adhesive and then suspended from twine in the alleyways between the stacked bags. Mr. Lee heated two parts of coagulated até (derived from the latex of a species of Carpodinus) with one part of palm oil and applied the adhesive, while hot, to the strands. The writer carried out a long series of experiments with various adhesives, with the object of perfecting the broom strand method, and finally came to the conclusion that the best adhesives for general use were those made by heating three parts of coagulated até with one part of either shea butter or palm oil. The adhesive should be allowed to cool before applying it to the strands.3. It was discovered, in the Port Harcourt area, that carbolic soap solution is an excellent medium for use in dish traps. The writer found that carbolic soap solution caught many more moths than the standard medium used in Nigeria. Several other types of soap, both imported and locally made, proved to be nearly as effective as carbolic soap. The best strength for carbolic soap solution was found to be from 1 to 2 oz. soap per gal. water.4. The infestation of ground-nuts by Ephestia is discussed, and the opinion is expressed that this could be considerably reduced if it were found practicable to reduce the length of the export season from 12 to 7 months.