Evaluation of Housefly Infestation Management at Waste Processing and Disposal Centers

More than half of the global population resides in urban areas. Urban waste, landfills and leachate provide abundant food and habitat for houseflies. Various control methods are employed for pest management. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated pest management approach for controlling houseflies at a large-scale waste-processing and disposal facility.

This study was conducted from May to October 2022 at Iran's largest waste processing and disposal facility. Sticky traps were used to monitor infestation levels before and after each intervention. Chemical interventions included a cypermethrin-chlorpyrifos combination in processing halls; a cypermethrin-chlorpyrifos-diflubenzuron mixture in the compost area; and Ajita poison bait in office buildings. Physical controls included installing nets and air curtains, using large adhesive banners, and environmental sanitation measures like washing halls and managing compost.

The dominant fly species was Musca domestica. For monitoring, sticky traps were the most efficient (49% of captured flies), while pheromone traps were the least efficient (4%). The highest infestation intensity occurred before interventions in April-May, averaging 191 flies per 10 traps. The lowest intensity was observed in September-October, with an average of 6 flies per 10 traps. Significant reductions were observed in fly numbers when comparing the peak infestation period (April-May) with subsequent months, indicating the effectiveness of the interventions.

An integrated pest management approach can significantly reduce the severity of housefly infestations in municipal waste facilities. This strategy is crucial for preventing the development of insecticide resistance and minimizing negative environmental impacts.