Laboratory and field evaluation of an insecticidal trap for houseflies

Several substances/food baits and admixtures thereof were tested in a perspex trap, treated with insecticide K-othrine@0.01 mg/cm2. Bioefficacy for housefly trapping was evaluated. Combination of ingredients was found to be more effective than individual ingredients. A combination of some easily available and cheap ingredients were employed for field trials. The admixtures of milk powder, dog biscuit, jaggery and banana peeling was found very effective. The trap efficacy including persistence of the toxicant K-othrine was observed for more than 6 months. Observations on number of flies trapped and utility of such a trap in actual field situation are discussed.