Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner Pheromone Trap

What Are Horse Chestnut Leaf Miners?

The Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner Moth (Cameraria ohridella) arrived in southern regions of the United Kingdom during 2002-2003 and has steadily spread north. The moth reproduces in large numbers, with 200-300 eggs typically laid on each leaf from May to August. Damage is caused by the larvae of the moths, as they mine into the leaves of the trees. The moths often merge which gives the Horse Chestnut leaves a white and blotched appearance. The leaves will then dry out, browning, before they fall off the tree prematurely. This causes the tree to have an autumnal appearance as early as August. The long terms effects on the Horse Chestnut Tree are still being examined, but the trees do appear weakened and therefore more vulnerable to attack from pathogens and diseases.

How Does This Trap Help Combat Horse Chestnut Leaf Miners?

The Dragonfli Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner Pheromone Trap uses a species specific pheromone lure to catch and trap male Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner Moths. The moths will detect the pheromone and fly into the trap expecting a female Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner Moth to be present. Moth mating and egg laying will be reduced as a result, and future generations of larvae will be prevented from developing. Moth populations can also be monitored through this trap which will help provide you with an early warning as to their activity. The trap is capable of catching hundreds of Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner Moths and significantly reducing damage to leaves and trees.

How Do I Set Up The Trap?

Each trap is supplied with three pheromone lures to last an entire Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner season.

Simply remove the lure from the foil sachet and place it in the cage at the top of the trap.

The Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner Trap supplied by Dragonfli is called a castellation trap which is entirely glue free. The castellation trap should be filled with water so that when the Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner Moth enters the trap it will fall into the water and drown.

The entry holes on the castellation moth trap are only big enough for moths. This prevents the capture of larger insects and small birds, which might fly into a conventional trap by accident. 

Hang the traps from the trees you wish to treat for infestation.

Full set up instructions are provided on delivery.

How Many Traps Do I Need & What Distance Will They Cover?

Hang one trap per tree from April.

When Will I Need To Replace The Trap?

The trap can be used for years and replacement lures can be purchased separately here.

Each trap comes with three pheromone lures, each of which last up to 6 weeks, giving the trap an initial 18-week protection. The pheromone lures should be replaced 2 to 3 times between April and August to catch as many hatching generations as possible.

A replacement pack of small parts is also available to purchase here.