Flytraps and Their Operation [1921]Bishopp, F. C. (Fred Corry)
Science
Flytraps and Their Operation [1921]
Bishopp, F. C. (Fred Corry)
Flies -- Control
The size of the bait container in relation to the size of the trap is
a very important consideration. It has been found that a small pan
or deep pan of bait set in the center under a trap will catch only a
small fraction of the number of flies secured by using larger, shallow
containers. The best and most convenient pan for baits is a shallow
circular tin, such as the cover of a lard bucket. Under range conditions
it is advisable to use a more substantial bait pan and preferably one 1½
inches deep, so that a greater amount of bait may be used, thus preventing
complete drying out between visits to the trap. Its diameter should be
about 4 inches less than that of the base of the trap, thus bringing the
edge within 2 inches of the outside edge of the trap. For liquid baits
the catch can be increased slightly by placing a piece of sponge or a few
chips in the center of the bait pan to provide additional surface upon
which the flies may alight. The same kind of pans for bait may be used
under tent traps. Two or more pans should be used, according to the length
of the trap.
=CARE AND LOCATION OF TRAPS.=
In many cases flytrapping has been rendered ineffectual by the fact that
the traps were not properly cared for. In setting traps a location should
be chosen where flies naturally congregate. This is usually on the sunny
side of a building out of the wind. It is exceedingly important that the
bait containers be kept well filled. This usually requires attention
every other day. The bait pans should be washed out at rather frequent
intervals. This gives a larger catch and avoids the danger of flies
breeding in the material used for bait. Further, it should be borne in
mind that traps can not be operated successfully throughout the season
without emptying them. Where flies are abundant and the bait pans are
properly attended to the traps should be emptied at weekly intervals.
Where flies become piled high against the side of the cone the catching
power of the trap is considerably reduced. The destruction of the flies
is best accomplished by immersing the trap in hot water or, still better,
where a tight barrel is at hand place a few live coals in a pan on the
ground, scatter two tablespoonfuls of sulphur over them, place the trap
over the coals, and turn the barrel over the trap. All of the flies will
be rendered motionless in about five minutes. They may then be killed
by using hot water, throwing them into a fire, or burying them. In the
operation of flytraps in controlling the screw-worm it has not been found
necessary, especially during hot weather, to kill the flies, as they die
very rapidly within the traps. In order to empty a trap it may be inverted
and the dead flies shaken down. As the living flies will naturally go
upward, the door may then be removed and the dead flies shaken out, the
door replaced, and the trap set upright without loss of many of the living
flies.
=STICKY FLY PAPERS.=
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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