Some advances in the trapping of tsetse (Glossina spp.) and other flies

Abstract

Abstract. 1. Shortcomings in the methodology of testing mechanical traps for tsetse and other flies have been partically overcome by relating all trap efficiencies to that of electric trapping devices which have been shown, independently, to capture over 95% of tsetse colliding with them.2. In Rhodesia the classical ‘animal’ type traps only caught a small percentage of tsetse which approached them. The addition of ox odour increased the number of tsetse visiting the trap but did not affect trap efficiency.3. Changes in trap design have resulted in increases in trapping efficiency of up to 4–5‐fold over classical designs.4. The addition of large quantities of ox odour increased the efficiency of the most successful trap described here, as well as the absolute number of flies taken. When the odour of livestock of total mass 11.5 tonnes was used, over 2000 tsetse could be trapped in a 3 h period.5. None of the traps described here was particularly suitable for tabanids but some were used to trap large numbers of biting muscids.6. The implications for new methods of tsetse control are discussed.