INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT FOR CONTROL OF THE HOUSE FLY MUSCA DOMESTICA (L.) (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE) IN AN URBAN SOLID WASTE TREATMENT PLANT

Abstract:
The development of infestations of Musca domestica was evaluated in a factory for the treatment of urban solid undifferentiated waste over a period of one year and control strategies were implemented. The waste treatment produces a compost used for the improvement of agricultural soil. The factory, which is situated in an urban environment within Milan, is divided into four closed and covered sheds. Two differing techniques of waste treatment are practised, both based on aerobic biodegradation. One of these techniques, which involves heaping sifted waste for maturation, encourages the development and spread of M. domestica. Strong pressure from local residents has resulted in strict control of the hygiene and sanitary risks of this process by the Local Health Authority. Trends in the dynamics of fly populations have been monitored and several parameters have been analysed. Propagation in outside sheds and development patterns of fly populations have been examined to help in the selection of rational and integrated strategies for the control of house fly. The results of integrated fly control strategies using insecticides against both larvae and adults, growth regulators, attractive alimentary baits, chromatotropic panels, phototropic equipment, treated and untreated coverings of the heaps, behaviour of the flies and the use of structures as obstacles to the spread of fly infestations are presented.