Field trial with redtop flycatcher baited with ready made protein meal for the control of houseflies in Gazipur dairy farm, Delhi.

A field trial with Redtop Flycatcher having bait formulated as ready made protein meal a.i 977 gms/kg was carried out for the control of adult housefly Musca domestica domestica L. in Gazipur dairy farm situated at eastern corner of Delhi and observation compared with another field trial with commonly available Baygon bait using scattering method. The observation recorded during the field trial revealed that the new flycatcher was capable of retaining the trapped flies and the protein bait remained active for a period of 35 to 42 days (with peak attractability around the ninth day) without requiring refilling the flycatcher with bait during this period. The flycatcher installed in indoor situation was found to be more effective than that kept outside. Parallel tests with Baygon bait containing 2 per cent Propoxur scattered @ 40 gms a.i/100 m2 were found to kill more flies than the new protein baited flycatcher but required daily replenishment of the insecticide. Fly attractancy of the protein sample was also compared with that of other food sources for the flies available in the study area over a period of five days, independently using the same flycatcher. Wheat flour dough was observed to be the most efficient fly attractant compared to other food sources including protein bait.