Controlling Tsetse Flies with Small Targets
Author Information
Author(s): Esterhuizen Johan, Njiru Basilio, Vale Glyn A., Lehane Michael J., Torr Stephen J.
Primary Institution: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
Does vegetation encroachment affect the efficiency of small insecticide-treated targets for controlling Glossina fuscipes fuscipes?
Conclusion
The efficiency of small insecticide-treated targets for controlling G. f. fuscipes is largely unaffected by vegetation encroachment, as long as there are openings between the vegetation.
Supporting Evidence
- Catches of G. f. fuscipes decreased significantly only when the target was obscured by more than 80%.
- Even with a low overhanging bush, catches decreased by only about 30%.
- The efficiency of small targets remains largely uncompromised by vegetation regrowth.
Takeaway
This study shows that small targets can still catch tsetse flies even if there are some bushes around them, as long as the bushes don't block the view too much.
Methodology
Experiments were conducted using small insecticide-treated targets in various vegetation scenarios to assess their effectiveness in catching G. f. fuscipes.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a specific geographical area, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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