Method and device for the biological control of flying insects

Abstract

A method for control and extermination of flying insects, especially the housefly, by infection of the insects with an entomopathogenic fungus, preferably soil-dwelling fungi, by means of an infection chamber. The chamber maintains the spores of a fungus pathogenic to the insects in a viable form, serves as an attractant for the insects, and serves to inoculate the insects with high numbers of spores. The spores attach to the insects and originate germ tubes that penetrate into the insect, resulting in death within three to four days. The chamber design, i.e., shape and color, can be the sole attractants for the insects. Alternatively, food or scents can be used to further enhance the attraction of the insects for the chamber. Although the primary means of infection is by external contact with the fungal growth, the insects may also be infected by contact with each other and by ingestion of the spores.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.