A Simple and Safe Electrostatic Method for Managing Houseflies Emerging from Underground Pupae

Abstract

A simple electrostatic apparatus that generates an arc discharge was devised to control adult houseflies emerging from a soil bed in a greenhouse. Adult houseflies emerging from a soil bed in a greenhouse are a potential vector of pathogenic Escherichia coli O157, carried by animal manure used for soil fertilization. A simple electrostatic apparatus that generates an arc discharge was devised to control these houseflies. The apparatus consisted of two identical metal nets; one was linked to a negative-voltage generator to create a negatively charged metal net (NC-MN), and the other was linked to a grounded line to create a grounded metal net (G-MN). A square insulator frame was placed between the two nets, separating them by 6 mm, and a plastic grating with multiple cells was placed beneath the G-MN to provide a climbing path (54 mm in height) to the arcing sites of the apparatus for adult houseflies emerging on the soil surface. Houseflies that climbed up the wall of the grating and reached the arcing zone were subjected to arc-discharge exposure from the NC-MN and thrown down onto the soil by the impact of the arcing. The impact was destructive enough to kill the houseflies. The structure of this apparatus is very safe and simple, enabling ordinary greenhouse workers to fabricate or improve it according to their own requirements. This study developed a simple and safe tool that provides a physical method to manage houseflies.

Electrostatic Techniques for Physically Managing Pathogens, Insect Pests, and Weeds in Field and Greenhouse Cropping Systems

“…In cases of unintentional human contact with electric fences, it resulted in only temporary discomfort [46]. For safe usage, the pulse-charging type of voltage generator was employed to operate screens for eliminating invasive kudzu vines climbing on a fence [47], weed seedlings emerging in crop fields [48], and adult houseflies emerging from underground pupae [49]. Recently, Matsuda et al [50] integrated a continuous-charging type of voltage generator into an unattended electric weeder and effectively controlled ground weeds in a greenhouse orchard while ensuring safety.…”

Electrostatic Insect Repulsion, Capture, and Arc-Discharge Techniques for Physical Pest Management in Greenhouses

“…The apparatus consisted of two identical expanded metal nets, a square polypropylene frame (height of 6 mm), and a plastic grating (height of 54 mm). One metal net was linked to a Figure 6A shows the structure of an arcing-type soil cover method, an arc discharge exposer designed to kill insect pests that emerge from a soil bed instantaneously [42]. The apparatus consisted of two identical expanded metal nets, a square polypropylene frame (height of 6 mm), and a plastic grating (height of 54 mm).…”

“…The arcing occurs specifically at any location of the target in the electric field. The insect is then pushed to the bottom by the strong impact caused by arc discharge [42]. In addition, the device produces a second arc discharge toward any housefly that evades the first arc and clambers over the grounded metal net (Figure 6B, red arrow 2).…”

“…Negative charge on the metal net surface is released as an arc discharge toward an insect that enters the electric field [37], and the insect is killed instantly. This apparatus has been most effective for killing Musca domestica (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Muscidae) houseflies emerging from underground pupae at the soil surface, which are possible vectors of pathogenic Escherichia coli O-157 and can be introduced with manure used as soil fertilizer [42].…”