Monitoring allows better control of ferrets

According to research related to ferrets, it is best to monitor the adult population of the pest. Therefore, monitoring adult moths, carried out with delta traps containing the ferret pheromone, prevents eggs from being deposited in fruits and causing the caterpillars to hatch.

Control level:

Green band: Do not control – capture of up to 5 males/trap/week;

Yellow band: Check if the index is maintained for two consecutive weeks – capture 6 to 8 males/trap/week;

Red band: Control – capture of 9 or more males/trap/week.

For control, chemical and biological insecticides can be used. Application should preferably occur at dusk, the time when the pest mates and lays eggs.

Additional care:

- Anticipate the harvest to prevent the pest population from growing;

- Remove attacked fruits from trees and the ground and bury them to interrupt the insect's life cycle.

For more information, access the Fundecitrus manual with measures for the sustainable control of ferrets in website.