Toxicity of Spanish needle extract (Asteraceae) on the adult stage of the house fly (Diptera: Muscidae).

Abstract

The house fly, Musca domestica (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), is a worldwide urban species of insect that is of veterinary and medical interest. Adults of this fly cause nuisance and are common vectors of pathogens that affect both humans and animals. The purpose of this research was to find an environmentally friendly approach to eliminate and repel the adult stage of house flies in urban areas. Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) extract was tested for insecticidal toxicity against the adult stage in both laboratory and room conditions, using different solvents with varying polarities (hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, and water). The results indicate that the ethanol extract had strong bait toxicity, while the ethyl acetate extract showed high mortality from contact toxicity. The LC50 and LC90 values of the most effective solvents that killed adult stages were determined. In the repellent test conducted in an experimental cage, acetone extract was found to be the most effective repellent. The RC90 (41.6 mg/ml) from the test was used for testing under room conditions, where it repelled 79% of adult house flies within 30 min. The RT50 and RT90 values of the acetone extract for repelling adult house flies were calculated. GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate, acetone, and ethanol extracts identified linolenic acid and 9H-Fluorene, 9-diazo- as the main compounds present. Therefore, B. pilosa extract has the potential as an efficient biopesticide for eliminating and repelling house flies.