Insect Light Trap Types: Glue Board, Electric Grid or Fan Suction?

Which insect light trap type fits each application?

The right insect light trap is selected by target insect, capture method, placement risk and service routine, not by light brightness alone. Glue-board units retain insects on an adhesive surface, electric-grid units stun or electrocute insects, and fan-suction units draw insects into a chamber. Each format creates a different cleaning, consumables and inspection requirement.

Why does the target insect matter more than the color of the light?

Flying insects do not all respond to the same cues. House flies, stored-product moths and host-seeking mosquitoes differ in behavior, active period, flight height and attraction to light, odor, heat or carbon dioxide. A blue glow is therefore not proof that a unit will perform equally against every flying insect.

The CDC mosquito surveillance guidance describes several trap types for different mosquito species and life stages. Its field light trap combines light with a fan and may use carbon dioxide as an additional attractant. A compact indoor consumer trap is not the same instrument and should not borrow a surveillance trap’s performance claims without product-specific test data.

For a buyer, the useful questions are concrete: Which insect was used in the test? Was the test conducted indoors or outdoors? What was the room size, competing light level, operating time and distance from the release point? Ask for the method with the result.

What changes when an insect light trap is used near food?

Food areas require control of insect fragments as well as insect activity. Section 6-202.13 of the FDA Food Code 2022 says devices that electrocute or stun flying insects should retain insects within the device. It also says insect control devices should not be installed over food-preparation areas or where insects or fragments could fall or be propelled onto exposed food and clean items.

The FDA Food Code is a model used by jurisdictions, not a universal installation permit. Buyers should check the rule adopted at the destination and have the final device position reviewed by the site’s food-safety or pest-management lead. A product marked for indoor use is not automatically suitable for every food-handling zone.

• Keep the unit away from exposed food, clean utensils and unwrapped single-use articles.
• Avoid positions that draw insects across an open doorway or toward food activity.
• Provide safe service access without carrying captured insects through a preparation area.
• Record the device number, location, service date and findings when the unit is part of a monitoring plan.

How should an importer compare insect light trap samples?

A sample review should separate attraction claims from product workmanship. Run the same operating check on each sample, in the same room and for the same duration. Record ambient light, placement and noise rather than judging from a brief desktop demonstration.

What is the verified catalogue reference for PC-801 and PC-802?

PC-801 and PC-802 are compact indoor light-trap formats in the current PESTCON range. The recorded dimensions and packing fields are the same, so the model choice should be confirmed against the approved sample, control configuration and requested market specification instead of the model name alone.

These are quotation references, not installation claims. For range planning, send the destination market, sales channel, target insect, expected quantity, electrical requirement and packaging route with the model number.