Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What type of traps are useful for catching wasps and flies?

1. Snap traps.

2. Live traps.

3. Jar traps.

4. Mechanical traps.

The correct answer is: Jar traps.

Jar traps are particularly effective for capturing wasps and flies due to their design, which encourages these insects to enter the jar but makes it difficult for them to escape. Typically, jar traps consist of a container with an attractant placed inside to lure the insects in. Once the wasps or flies enter, they can become trapped, either through a narrow opening or by the design of the trap that inhibits their exit. This effectiveness hinges on their ability to exploit the natural behavior of these insects, which are often drawn to specific scents or food sources. This targeted approach, along with the trap's simplicity and ease of setup, makes jar traps a popular choice for both DIY pest control and professional pest management strategies. Other types of traps, such as snap traps, are generally designed for larger pests, live traps are often used for catching animals without harming them, and mechanical traps may not be as effective for flying insects like wasps and flies, which makes jar traps the most suitable option in this context.