Large scale campaigns to eradicate the tsetse vector have invariably resulted in failure until a recent development in Zimbabwe.An effective means of reducing the exposure of the population to the infective bite of tsetse flies in addition to low-cost ground spraying techniques, is the use of traps. The advantage of the use of tsetse traps is that it is cheap, cost-effective and community based. Several types of trap have been developed, but the cheapest and probably the most effective one is the biconical trap made of blue cloth. The blue colour attracts the flies which then enter the trap via holes in the bottom. Once inside the flies trie to escape towards the sun light and get stuck in trapping device, often containing some diesel oil to kill the flies, and that is attached into the apex of the upper cone. The effectiveness of the traps can be improved by impregnating them with insecticides and by the use of olfactory attractants, such as acetone, carbon-dioxide gass and the urine of oxen. These traps have actually resulted in total elimination of the flies from a large area of a wildlife park in Zimbabwe. The drawbacks include the cost of maintaining the traps, for on ce the bait expires the flies will soon re-enter the area.
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created by :Fred Opperdoes