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Related Experiment Videos

Battery-powered, electrocuting trap for stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae).

L G Pickens1

  • 1Livestock Insects Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.

Journal of Medical Entomology
|November 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

A novel solar-powered electrocuting device effectively kills stable flies outdoors, offering a chemical-free pest control solution. This portable trap utilizes pulsed current and attractive grid design, proving more effective than traditional methods.

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Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Entomology
  • Pest Management Technologies
  • Electrical Engineering

Background:

  • Stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) are significant pests in livestock environments, causing economic losses and animal welfare issues.
  • Current pest control methods often involve chemicals or less effective physical traps.
  • There is a need for efficient, environmentally friendly, and automated pest control solutions for outdoor settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a portable, solar-powered electrocuting device for controlling outdoor populations of stable flies.
  • To assess the device's efficacy, durability, and operational parameters under field conditions.
  • To compare the performance of the electrocuting trap with existing pest control methods.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Construction of a portable electrocuting grid device powered by a solar-charged battery system.
  • Integration of a pulsed-current delivery system (60-Hz AC, 4 mA, 9,500 V for 0.016 s pulses).
  • Inclusion of a photoresistor for automatic nighttime power shutoff and optimization of grid design (moiré patterns, wire dimensions) for fly attraction.

    • Main Results:

    • The device demonstrated continuous operation for up to 14 days on a single battery charge, killing up to 4,000 flies daily.
    • A solar-charging system enabled continuous operation for 90 days, powering multiple electrocuting grids.
    • The electrocuting grid remained functional during heavy rain and when large insects were killed, showing no short-circuiting.
    • The traps proved more effective than sticky traps and were suitable for use near animal shelters.

    Conclusions:

    • The solar-powered, pulsed-current electrocuting device is a highly effective and durable solution for controlling outdoor stable fly populations.
    • The device offers a chemical-free alternative to traditional pest control methods, with potential applications in various agricultural and animal housing settings.
    • The integrated design, including attractive grid features and automated power management, enhances its practicality and efficiency for long-term pest management.