Fowler Associates Labs

Electrostatic Fly Trap

Using electrostatic powder technology and pheromone attractants to capture flies and moths

Paraphrased by Steve Waldrop
January 13, 2003

Electrostatic fly traps could possibly be the pollution-reducing solution to control such crop pest as fruit flies and the diamond-back moth. According to Philip Howse of Southampton University (UK), the electrostatic traps operate in the same way as a sexually transmitted disease. The males are attracted by pheromones to a bait station containing an inert electrostatically charged powder laced with a slow-acting or biological insecticide. But before they die, they infect any females they come into sexual or social contact with. As opposite charges attract, the powder sticks to the insect by electrostatic forces and cannot be cleaned off by normal grooming.

Given the opportunity fruit flies will lay about 500 eggs. Their life cycle can be completed in about a week. The diamond-back moth may live for 14 days and lay more than 400 eggs.

The electrostatic traps are hygienic and non-odorous and does not require a power supply. They are environmentally friendly, incorporating natural materials including fly sex pheromone and is made from biodegradable materials that can be incinerated after use.