Anatomy of a Spider Trap

Sure it might seem strange to refer to a spider (or insect trap) as having an anatomy.  Everyone know the basics of a spider’s anatomy ( 4 pair of legs and a 2 sectioned body).  But when it comes to describing the anatomy of a spider trap it goes beyond any one of product packaging, construction materials, assembly method, placement options, warning zones or edge-to-edge active trap surface.   Spider Trap Anatomy needs to include all of these elements..

I am not going to try some clever mapping of the spider trap package as the skin of the trap, and follow into the construction materials as bones, and the adhesive sticky area as the heart, because it just doesn’t make sense and fell apart (yes, I had tried to make it work, but it won’t).

Instead, I’ll describe the major aspects of a spider trap by category and attributes.  For example, Product Package : Materials – Color.

In each category I’ll try to include objective metrics that you could use to compare one brand of spider trap to another.  For example a Product-to-Package ratio  or  trap edge length ( you can compare how many inches of trapping edge are present).   When there are uncommon terms, I’ll include a brief definition and a link to a more detailed post if the term warrants.

So to get started we’ll scratch the surface of each of these major areas ( additional articles will be published with details, pros and cons and open discussion) and include the major attributes of each:

Spider Trap Packaging

Of course we are talking about the container holding the traps.  Sustainable packaging is the obvious preference, but I’ll also look at the space the product occupies ( sometimes called dimensional or volumetric weight) because larger dimensions drive a higher carbon foot print.

Package Overview:

Including dimensions (Length, depth, width, sq inches), product-to-package ratio (identify excessive packaging), dimensional space per trap (compare carbon footprint)

Package Material:

Outer Package (poly, cardboard)

Package Appearance:

Messages (Spider trap Name, target insects, marketing messages), Markings (QR-Code, UPC, EAN, Stock code, EPA registration number), Languages (English, Spanish , French, etc), Color(s), IPM Record Keeper.

Trap Construction

I’ll explore the single spider trap, what is the shape, glue board material, size, scoring, cuts or bends, and color.  Is the trap a Insect monitor or intentionally designed spider trap

Trap Board Material

Including individual trap dimensions ( outer length, width, area, thickness) and geometry ( square corners vs rounded)

Trap Geometry

An aspect of how the trap appears, we’ll look at the

Trap Assembly

Here we’ll be looking at the cut outs ( slot (shaped, or slit), tab ( rounded, angled ) and helpers ( pre-folded bends or perforations).

Spider Trap Appearance

Separated into both Trap Outside and inside ( Color, Markings, Logo, Messages)

Active Trap Surface

The heart of the spider trap (I know, it really is the only part that makes body part sense) is the active trap field, the sticky surface, the glue of the glue board.. This is where insects get trapped, and the trap earns its keep. You might think that this is a simple category, but it actually has a few variables that really matter:

Active Surface Medium

What type of Glue surface does the trap use (rodent glue, mouse glue, ULC [ultra light catch] ), pre-baited (synergistic bait , integrated bait, no bait)

edge-to-edge trapping

The first encounter with a spider trap should be the active trap field. In an edge-to-edge trap there is no warning zone the first step contacts the active trap field, and depending on the insect can be the last (depending on the number of legs, millipedes and centipedes may still be able to escape). Spider traps using edge-to-edge design catch more insects.

Trap Directions

Instructions for assembly, placement and any additional assistance will be included here. If / When possible photos or actual text from the spider traps may be included.

Assembly Instructions:

How simple is the assembly, basic directions, # of shapes

Placement Advise:

What do the instructions say about where should traps be placed, how long they should last, how to dispose of the used traps

Additional Information:

Is there any thing else: Reorder information, Material Safety Data Sheet, Assembly Videos, QR-Codes or Website support links.

 

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