Insect Trap Instructions – Setting up a Canopy Trap

Insect Trap Instructions – Setting up a Canopy Trap

Directions for setting up a canopy trap

Once you are at a trap site you will install the frame for the trap. There are 16 pieces of PVC pipes, 8 with couplers and 8 without. Attach one of those without couplers to each one of those with couplers. Now you will have 8 longer pieces. You will need 4 of these for the top frame and 4 for the lower frame. Slide the pieces into the sleeves on the trap, and after they are all in, the corners of the frames (PVC pipes) are then coupled.

To get the traps into the canopy you must have some sort of a line going into the canopy. Typically this is done by first throwing (slingshot, bowgun) a fishing line over a desired branch and once this is in place attaching a thicker rope and pulling it up and into place. Another alternative is to have a climber.

Once the rope is in place, attach the white plastic ring on the top of the trap to the rope and pull it up a few feet to a point where you can fill the top collecting jar with your desired preservative, typically 75-95 % ethyl alcohol. Pull it up another few feet so that you can access the bottom collecting jar and do the same.

You are now ready to hoist it into the canopy. When it is at the desired height you need to tie off the rope to a tree or some other object.

The length of time between samples depends on the site (sun exposure) and the purpose of collection. Most clients service traps every week or two, some do this every day.

Option. The trap set up in the above manner may sway and twist with the wind. If this is not desired then lines can be attached to each of the 4 lower corners of the trap and these can be secured near the ground. You will not have to untie these with every servicing if you pull the trap up to the same height.