Turf Insect Pest Survey

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The Network

The Survey

Turf insect pest species identification, biology, and methods for control are not known for effective and economical integrated pest management strategies. Therefore, a network of insect trapping sites has been established around Phoenix. Black light traps have been set up around the perimeter of the valley at the following sites. These traps will enable the proper identification and timing of infestations of white grubs in turfgrass by monitoring adult flight of key beetle species (Masked Chafers; Cyclocephala spp.).

The Data

Trap Location	Season Data
Arizona Biltmore	2004	2005	2006	2007
Desert Mountain - Cochise	2004	2005	-	-
Desert Mountain - Outlaw	-	-	2006	-
Desert Mountain - Renegade	2004	-	2006	-
Grayhawk	-	2005	2006	2007
Palm Valley	2004	2005	2006	2007
Raven at S. Mountain	2004	2005	2006	2007
Sun City Grand - Cimmaron	2004	2005	2006	2007
Superstition Mountain	2004	2005	2006	2007
Whirlwind	-	-	2006	2007

The Basics

Are you considering monitoring pest populations on your golf course?

Monitoring peak adult flight provides turf managers with accurate and reliable information, which is needed to make educated choices in developing effective and efficient control strategies against beetles and other insect pests.

Turf managers can download the following files to help them monitor insects caught in blacklight traps in Arizona:

Learn to ID the key beetle species: Turfgrass Insect Pests - White Grub Complex (.pdf)

Chart the beetles collected on this pre-formatted graph - Insect Count Graph (.pdf)

Our traps were purchased from Bioquip Products (see page 56 of catalog). Light trap kits come with buckets, lid, funnel (about $70) and then choice of black light types - u-shaped or round for AC or DC (about $90 to $110). Other sources may be available at various prices but these were the traps (with round light) used in our insect trap surveys. It is best to hang the traps at about eye-level near or over turf and away from sprinkler heads. Use an extension cord and plug into an outlet near a pump-house, out-house, or irrigation controller box away from other light sources.