Worried about the dining table being infested with flies? IPB University Health Entomologist Reveals Effective Solution

The presence of flies on the dining table often disturbs comfort and raises concerns about food contamination. IPB University Health Entomologist, Dr drh Susi Soviana explained, this problem is closely related to the cleanliness of the surrounding environment.

There are various types of flies that are often found around settlements, including house flies (Musca domestica) and green flies (Chrysomia megacephala). Dr Susi reveals that flies are in fact attracted to foul odors from decaying or fermenting organic matter.

“Houseflies usually come to the dining table because the environment is dirty, especially if there is uncovered organic waste. Flies do not necessarily land on food without something attractive, namely the smell of decaying organic matter,” she said.

She said that the dining table will be safer from flies if the food on the table does not contain foul-smelling or fermented ingredients. In addition, flies are also reluctant to stop by if the surrounding environment is clean from open organic waste.

Regarding safe natural ways to repel flies, the lecturer at IPB University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences emphasizes that the main risk factors must be eliminated first.

“So far, there is no natural method that is as effective as physical tools in repelling flies, such as shaken broomsticks or adhesive traps. However, such tools are unethical around the dinner table,” she says.

One recommended tool is the electric fly trap. “This tool uses ultraviolet (UV) light to attract flies into the trap and then die from electric shock,” she explains.

However, Dr Susi cautioned that the placement of this tool should not be near the entrance of the house, as it can attract flies into the room. Also, the device should not be placed too close to the dining table so that the dead flies do not contaminate the food.

Furthermore, she also discussed chemicals known as attractants, which are substances that can draw flies into the trap.

“One substance that is often used is Muscalure Cis 9 Tricosene, which is actually a fly pheromone. There is also a mixture of eggs, yeast, and sodium bicarbonate that produces a foul odor to attract flies,” she explains.

However, she emphasized that if the surrounding environment is full of smelly organic waste, even clean food is still at risk of being infested by flies.

“This is because flies are essentially attracted to foul odors from organic materials that are easily decomposed or perishable. Apart from eating, female flies also lay their eggs in that place,” she said. (IAAS/RWA)