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Battery-powered, electrocuting trap for stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae)
1Livestock Insects Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.
Journal of Medical Entomology
|November 1, 1991
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.
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:
- 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.