Slow the Spread of the Gypsy Moth Project Trapping Manual

The Trap Code - What to enter during trap set

Every trap has a unique nine digit code to identify it from other traps. This trap name is comprised of the quad abbreviation in which the target point falls and a four digit number in quad based states. In county based states it is a three digit county FIPS code, a two digit block id and a 4 digit site number.

H
GPS cursor position: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Trap Name
ere is a breakdown of what the numbers represent:

Quad Abbreviation

The QUAD ABBREVIATION will be entered in position 1-5. Quad abbreviations are predetermined and marked on each of your field maps. For quad abbreviations shorter than 5 characters a space holder must be utilized for position 4 and 5. For example the quad RENO has only 4 characters so you must put a space before entering the site number (RENO 0178D). Note the space between the “O” and the zero.

1000 – 7999 – delimit trapping grid

8000 – 8999 –predetermined regulatory traps, additionally the hundreds digit indicates the type of site:

• 
  8800 - nursery traps
  
• 
  8600 - mill and lumber operation traps
  
• 
  8500 - firewood dealer traps
  
• 
  8400 - state park traps
  
• 
  8300 – Rest areas and welcome centers
  
• 
  8200 - campgrounds outside state parks
  
• 
  8100 - Ports
  

D - Delta trap

M - Milk Carton

O - Omitted site

The OMIT REASON will be entered in position 11. Data will only be entered here if this is an omitted site. You should have VERY few omitted sites.

H - No structure on which to hang trap

L - Landowner denied access

O - Obstacle prohibited access

W - Inaccessible terrain- too wet

R - Inaccessible terrain- too rough or steep

V - Inaccessible terrain- vegetation too thick or crop fields

S - Safety hazard

If you are unable to set the trap within the target circle, you may place a trap outside the target circle. This is preferable to omitting a trap. Enter “B” for boundary in position 11. This will notify your supervisor and the database that the trap was placed outside the target circle. When setting a trap outside the target circle do not set one so far away that it will interfere with the next target circle.

1. 
   Trap name
   
2. 
   Placement date – month and day
   
3. 
   GPS reading for trap placement- UTM easting and northing
   
4. 
   Tree species – record tree species to the best of your ability
   
5. 
   How notified – indicate if notice of trap placement was written or oral
   
6. 
   Notes – additional information to help locate the trap or note presence of a dog
   
7. 
   Address - Name of business, street address, mailbox number
   
8. 
   Trap check – enter date checked, condition of trap, and number of suspect moths
   
9. 
   Trap removal – enter date removed, condition of trap, and number of suspect moths
   

• 
  Name of road or street on which trap is set
  
• 
  Reference to nearest road or intersection (include mileage)
  
• 
  Direction and distance off road
  
• 
  Relative size, and location of trees; wind row or woodlot
  
• 
  House or fire number
  
• 
  COLOR of house and trim
  
• 
  Include recognizable landmarks such as mailbox, sign, bridge, power lines, rail road crossings, fire hydrant, etc.
  
• 
  Always indicate the side of the street the trap is on; use north, south, east and west, not left or right!
  
• 
  Never relate the location of one trap to another. If one trap is missing, it may be difficult to locate the next one.
  
• 
  Even a simple sketch will help you pinpoint the trap location once you are arrived in the area. The sketch map is especially important for helping others find traps you have placed – do not skip the sketch map!
  

Record the trap name and write the word “Omit” in the site map sketch area. Include the correct omit reason code. Example: Omit-W

H- No structure on which to hand trap

L- Landowner denied access

O- Obstacle prohibited access

W- Inaccessible terrain- too wet

R- Inaccessible terrain- too rough or steep

V- Inaccessible terrain- vegetation too thick or crop fields

S- Safety hazard

A Day in the life of a trapper – Trap Check

• 
  Plan route, stay organized
  
• 
  Drive to each trap, do not re-contact homeowners or leave a message
  
• 
  If the trap is in good condition:
  
  • 
    Peek inside the trap to check for moths, write date and moth catch on the trap, record data and moth catch in GPS or Gadget and survey notebook
    

• 
  If the trap is in poor condition or missing:
  
  • 
    Replace trap with new trap, write trap name on the new trap and hang in the same location, record data in GPS or Gadget and survey notebook, discard old trap.
    
• 
  If the trap has moths:
  
  • 
    Check with your agency as to whether to bring the in the delta trap or contents of the milk carton for verification of moth species.
    
• 
  Look at map, navigate to next trap
  
• 
  Repeat until end of day
  

• 
  Construct enough traps for the next day of trapping. You’ll want enough ready to use as replacements if needed.
  

General Instructions

1. 
   Be organized and efficient so that you can check all of your traps in a timely fashion.
   

2. 
   You do not have to contact the property owner during trap check. Have a supply of traps ready to use as replacements.
   

3. 
   Do not remove the delta trap from the tree, simply open one side of the trap for a good check. If it is missing, the inside covered with dust, insects or spiders, damaged, on the ground, or the lure is stuck in the sticky material, replace the trap. Remember to number the replacement trap the same as the original.
   

4. 
   If you empty the contents of a milk-carton trap into a Ziploc, make sure to label the bag with the trap name.
   

5. 
   Using your grease pencil, mark the month and day (e.g. 7/24) on the trap each time you check it. Mark the date on any replacement trap you set.
   

6. 
   Take a GPS reading and immediately complete all paperwork for that trap.
   

7. 
   Mark your field map to indicate that you have inspected the trap.
   

8. 
   If a suspect moth is found in a delta trap, and your agency requires it, replace the trap, take the positive trap with you and turn it in to your supervisor. If you have any doubts, consider it a positive catch and get confirmation from your supervisor.
   

9. 
   Go on to the next trap