The Asian Citrus Psyllid is an invasive bug that transmits a bacteria that causes citrus greening, one of the most destructive diseases of citrus.
It has a bright yellow egg stage, 5 wingless nymph stages and winged adults which are about 1/8". They mainly feed on citrus: orange, lime, lemon, tangerine, grapefruit and ornamentals: orange jasmine and figs. This tiny (1/6-1/8" long) insect is the access point by which the deadly bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus enters the plants. Once the insect pierces the plant to feed, they are infected with the bacterium. It's not harmful to the insect, but it causes the fatal Huanglongbing (HLB) disease (also called "citrus greening" and "yellow dragon" disease) in all varieties of citrus and in closely related ornamentals of the Rutaceae family. The psyllids can distribute HLB widely during the 1-2 months of their lifetimes and lethally infect limitless numbers of trees. ACP can only spread HLB, by feeding on an infected tree; it is crucial that these pests be monitored and kept off trees.
There is no known cure for this disease; symptoms can take 1-2 years to appear and it can kill a tree in as little as 5 years. Should your tree become infected, there is no recourse except to remove it completely. The threat to citrus crops from this invasive insect is considered to be potentially an extinction level event. Closely monitoring of your citrus is essential to bring this plague under control. Should you discover the ACP on your citrus, it is imperative that you contact your local county extension office or neighborhood garden center. For help in locating your county extension office Click Here.
The ACP nymphs convert sap from the leaves into a sugary liquid (honeydew). As part of your arsenal against the ACP, ant bait should be used around trees and bushes. Ants have a particular affinity for the nymphs' honeydew and will vigorously protect this food source, giving the psyllid an even stronger chance for survival. By keeping the ant army away, the psyllids are more vulnerable to predators and have fewer numbers to spread disease.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
- Wear gloves and wash after installing traps.
- Remove pheromone lure from pouch and stick on the yellow trap above the hole.
- Punch a 1/4" hole in the top of the powder pouch to activate the bait. Clean any spills with water.
- Attach the hanger to the trap, then through the hole in the bait pouch as shown on box.
- Hang the traps at chest height, 1 to 2 feet within the canopy, in a 12" foliage-free space. In case of winds, anchor the bottom of the trap so it does not stick to leaves. Place traps when more than 40°F, and replace traps monthly or when full.
Environment: For use in orchards, nurseries, backyards, garden; anywhere citrus is being grown.
Storage: Store lures in a cool, dry, ventilated area
Cannot Be Shipped To: KY,NM
Warning & Toxicities:
- CHOKING HAZARD; small parts. Keep away from small children and pets.
- If lure is ingested, seek medical attention.
- In case of cotact, remove glue with vegetable oil
