Surveillance techniques for non-native insect pest detection

The risk of introduction of new insect pest species is growing with the increase in passenger travel and the trade in plant products worldwide. Though effective detection methods exist in a number of cases, only some of them are applied in practice through organized networks. This paper reviews the detection tools available for insect pests, based on commonly available attractants and trapping systems. Chemical attractants are divided into powerful attractants (such as pheromones and para-pheromones), attractants of lower intensity (such as kairomones and food attractants), and their combinations. Physical attractants are also considered, such as visual cues, which are generally used in combination with olfactory attractants, and light traps. Finally, the diversity of trapping systems is also presented in relation to attractants, trap design and target species. © 2012 The authors. Journal compilation © 2012 OEPP/EPPO.