A new model of stink bug traps: heated trap for capturing Halyomorpha halys during the autumn dispersal period

Invasive stink bug species, such as Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), are serious agricultural pests worldwide. During autumn dispersal, adults aggregate in large numbers in human-made structures, homes and on walls of buildings. Preferred overwintering sites are sun-warmed, well-protected shelters. Exploiting a new concept, we developed a new collection method for monitoring and controlling them in their pre-overwintering period. Our trap design exploits the heat preference of stink bugs seeking overwintering sites. As a result, significantly greater numbers of H. halys adults moved into our black box traps, equipped with a heating apparatus, than into unheated ones. Experiments were performed in October during the pre-overwintering autumn dispersal period. Traps were placed next to a building that served as an overwintering site, where stink bugs usually aggregate in large numbers. Heated traps were operated on sunny afternoon hours when stink bugs were found to be active by visual observations. Our results represent the first example of an effective collection method based on artificially heated traps placed in natural conditions.