Insects and pests have existed a lot longer than humans and have developed some unique evolutionary traits. Most insects have the inherent capability to process light beyond the visible spectrum as they use colors for identification, navigation, communication, and other tasks.
Scientists have studied the effect of colors on insect behavior and believe that most common pests respond positively to the colors yellow and blue (Blumthal et al, 2005). In the past, farmers used this knowledge of typical insect behavior to monitor pest populations using individual yellow sticky tags. However, the same concept today can be used as an effective method of pest control in crops.
Traditional pest-control in crops and modern industry requirements
Since the advent of monoculture, farmers have relied on chemical pesticides to control the pest population and protect their crops. However, research has revealed that total reliance on pesticides for pest control causes severe harm to both the consumers and to the environment.
Novel modern farming techniques are also ill-suited for pest-control based on chemical sprays. Hydroponics does not use soil and suspends crop roots in an aqueous solution. Since there is no protection, exposure of toxic pesticides can damage or kill the plant. Similarly, it’s crucial to ensure crops that are directly consumed– fruits, green veggies, or even cannabis, which is inhaled – do not have any toxic residues from pest control applications, as they are dangerous for the consumers.
Today, consumers and governments are demanding the agriculture sector to significantly reduce their use of harmful pesticides. Agencies like the USDA and EFSA continue to limit the allowed rates of pesticides or even ban certain chemicals for crop protection and pest control. Similarly, the customers are also more aware of the danger and demand chemical-free and/or organic produce.
Alternative pest-control methods
Many farmers rely on numerous alternative measures to protect their crops while minimizing pesticide use. Concepts like Integrated Pest Management (IPM) now use a combination of physical, chemical, and biological solutions to effectively control pest populations.
Research reveals that yellow sticky insect traps are among the most effective alternative options (Pobozniak et al, 2020) & (Do Bae et al, 2015). Numerous studies confirm that common pests are attracted to yellow surfaces and ignore food sources of other colors. A study in 2015 proved this behavior when it showed how sap sucking pests continued to approach yellow flowers even while food sources of other colors were readily available. (Sathe et al, 2015)
Sticky traps, in simple terms, are long adhesive sheets set up in the field or in the greenhouse and come in various widths and lengths providing different levels of protection. Their color and pattern attract the pests which fly onto the tape instead of landing on the crops and are trapped by the adhesive covering the surface. In most cases, these tapes can cope with the majority of an insect pest population in a greenhouse. This either eliminates the need for using pesticides or reduces it significantly.
Catchy by Davik: A sustainable and effective method for pest control in crops
Catchy by Davik is an effective insect “Lure & Kill” based trap that uses a premium adhesive material to ensure long-lasting performance. Davik is known for its innovative and practical adhesive solutions that ensure user’s convenience without compromising on functionality. Catchy operates just like a regular tape and comes with the adhesive already applied to both sides to augment the protection and to provide user convenience. .
Currently, Davik has two products under the Catchy brand name.
- Catchy Yellow: Double-sided adhesive sheets in a bright yellow color to trap common flying pests like tobacco white fly, aphids, thrips, the common house fly and other species that are naturally attracted to yellow.
- Catchy Blue: Literature shows that many thrip species are also attracted to blue colors. For specific thrip infestations, the Catchy adhesive sheets also come in blue..
Both of these options have been tested by Davik in the extreme weather of the Judea Desert. They show excellent performance in varying temperatures, dusty areas, and other extreme conditions. The thick sheet and premium adhesive ensure long-lasting protection..
For greenhouses, net houses and other indoor farms, Catchy by Davik has a minimum lifespan of 6 months, which is incredible. The product also works effectively with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols and does not hinder other pest control methods in the greenhouse, providing farmers the most efficient pest control for their crops with minimum drawbacks.
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