NIBONG TEBAL: The most effective way to eradicate fly infestations if the source cannot be contained is fogging, say experts.
Pest control company manager Nazrul Natashah Jaafar, 37, said this method was affordable and would cover large areas.
“We can use insecticides designed to kill flies and the process can be repeated regularly,” he said, adding that many brands of oil-based insecticides would work.
Field biologist Sazali Ismail, 48, who has dealt with flies for the past 20 years, said the use of insecticides was common, safe and affordable.
“Restaurants, markets and businesses can use them through ultra-low volume misting from machines. This can be done during off-business hours.
“We can do fogging to kill flies within a specific area and place bait to attract them to a focus area,” he said.
In the long term, Universiti Sains Malaysia pest expert Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid said, the best prevention was communal hygiene.
He said poultry farms, especially, should upgrade to closed-farming systems using mesh netting to seal the farming area and prevent flies from breeding.
“Communities must keep rubbish sealed in plastic bags and these must be collected regularly,” he said.
He added that maggots would hatch in just six to 18 hours and begin feeding on waste products.
“In less than two weeks, they become adult flies and will live for about a month.
“A female housefly will lay about 500 eggs in its lifetime.”
