Abstract: An apparatus and system for using semiochemical compositions to control insect pests including the navel orangeworm. Includes a source of at least one semiochemical composition contained within a housing and a dispenser to initiate the controlled release of the composition over an area of treatment in response to one or more control signals. Compound release is achieved by adjusting start times and stop times, at intervals that coincide with periods of high activity for an insect pest or in response to trap capture data for the insect pest. A transmitter may be included report operation and status for monitoring purposes. Optional receiver allows for remote control. Release of the composition may also depend on signals from a light sensor, temperature sensor or other environmental factors such as wind, humidity and rain. May use more than one semiochemical composition to address different insect pests.

Abstract: A method for achieving increased effectiveness when using a synthetic pheromone composition to cause mating disruption among insect pests such as the navel orangeworm. Makes use of automated dispensers such as aerosol dispensers strategically placed throughout and area of treatment such as an orchard or field and configured to initiate the timed release of an attractant composition such as a synthetic pheromone. In at least one case the attractant composition is a synthetic pheromone comprising (Z,Z)-11, 13-hexadecadienal, and at least one of the following (Z,Z,Z,Z,Z)-3, 6, 9, 12, 15-tricosapentaene, (Z,Z,Z,Z,Z)-3, 6, 9, 12, 15-pentacosapentaene, (Z,Z)-11, 13-hexadecadien-1-ol. The attractant composition is mixed and loaded into the dispensers for distribution in aerosol form. Once the dispensers are loaded to hang in the air during periods of heightened insect pest activity so that mating behavior of the targeted pest population is effectively disrupted.