Super lights' can trap rice black bugs, says expert

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija— Farmers in Central Luzon affected by the attack of rice black bugs (RBBs) were advised last week by scientists to install “superpower lights” near infested areas to fend off the farm pests.

Gertrudo S. Arida, entomologist of Philippine Rice Research Institute said the installation of high-intensity light with 2,000-3,000 watts during heavy infestations can help prevent the attack of RBBs on the crops.

Arida said the efficiency of this strategy had been proven in several studies on RBBs.

“They (bugs) are strongly attracted to super power lights at night so they stay there instead of attacking crops,” he said.

Arida said that based on the PhilRice study during outbreaks like the recent infestations in Cavite, super light set up every night can traps the most number of bugs.

Arida, also an expert in Integrated Pest Management, said light traps mounted on a 5 to 10-meter high bamboo pole should be installed in cemented pavements or in places where rice grains are sun dried.

For light-trapping to be effective, he said it should be done from 8 to 12 p.m. as RBBs are active two days before full moon and three days following the moon event. -- FGR