FACTORS AFFECTING LABORATORY PROCEDURES for EVALUATING EFFICACY of INSECT LIGHT TRAPS for HOUSE FLIES

Abstract:
Insect light traps are an important aspect of modern fly control in commercial food handling establishments. Many design factors of light traps are evaluated in a paired laboratory testing method. The influence variables have on the results of paired laboratory testing methods is evaluated to illustrate the need for industry-wide standards for testing. The negative effects of black background colors and grill on light traps are presented to show that there are design features that influence effectiveness. Design features are tested with different amounts of bulb wattage in two paired traps to demonstrate that total wattage in a room can influence the results of laboratory tests. It is also shown that age of the flies and number of flies in a room can affects on the results of rotated tests. Perhaps the largest factor that should be considered in the future is the balance of two paired locations in a laboratory test arena.