Catch Rate of Musca Domestica in Laboratory Tests: Contrasting Ultraviolet Light Traps with Their Surrounding

Abstract:
Commercial ultra violet light traps for flying insect control are commonplace and provide an effective means of monitoring and providing reduction in populations of house flies (Musca domestica L) in cases where exclusion is difficult or impossible. Catch rate investigations were undertaken in laboratory rooms using a single type of fly trap with interchangeable trap covers, glue boards, and wall colours. Catch rates were found to be higher for contrasting combinations of cover/glue board/wall than for matching combinations over a seven hour period after release of 3, 4 and 5 day old house flies. The implications for the design and positioning of UV fly traps are discussed.