Fixers for a Fly Free Braai

The house fly is not only a nuisance pest but can also cause harm to humans and animals. It is the most common fly species, and carries and spreads several potentially deadly diseases including typhoid fever, salmonella, tuberculosis, conjunctivitis, leprosy and cholera, as well as intestinal worms and the bacteria responsible for dysentery.

While we almost never see flies in a positive light, they do reduce the number of other insect pests, and maggots are known for breaking down waste. They are also a food source for predators like birds, spiders, beetles and dragonflies, amongst others, and they are also pollinators.

But even so, during braai season flies can become a serious problem and make your outdoor and indoor socialising very uncomfortable, especially around food.

Quick and decisive action needs to be taken, and there are a range of products you can use to do so.

When using any pesticide, always follow the directions on the label. Remember that applying more won’t achieve better results! For best results and to prevent resistance to a pesticide, regularly switch to a pesticide with an alternative mode of action.

Protek recently launched Flyzone fly traps and bait for domestic and agricultural use. Flyzone contains a non-toxic organic protein bait that is safe to use, and the plastic bags are UV protected to ensure a lengthy lifespan. The attractant dissolves and is activated when water is added to the bag. Lured by the scent, flies enter the trap through the top cap and drown in the water.

Protek Fly Bait is a highly effective, ready-to-use granular bait. Fly Bait attracts and kills flies through contact or stomach action. It can be used as a dry scatter bait or wet as a surface spray or paint-on. Simply scatter granules over surfaces where flies are known to congregate.

Protek AK47 will protect your home or food-processing plant from common household insects like flies, cockroaches, bedbugs and mosquitoes. It is packed in easy-toapply, water-soluble sachets, doing away with the need for handling or measuring of product, and ensuring up to 3 months protection. AK47 can be sprayed indoors and outdoors onto walls, floors, curtains, furniture and other surfaces, and it is odourless and will not stain.

Alphathrin is a strongconcentration contact and stomach insecticide for the control of domestic and public health insect pests, such as flies, ants, bedbugs, cockroaches, fish moths, fleas and mosquitoes. It is odourless, does not stain and can be applied around work surfaces and on walls, bedding, curtains etc. for a quick knock-out and long-lasting effect.

The Avi Stelspuit metered spray for insects offers a repetitive release of the insecticide for the control of a broad range of insects including flies, moths and mosquitoes. Used in an Avimatic or metered spray dispenser, the canister will automatically release every 15 minutes for up to 30 days.

Before using, see formulations and cautions on these products on the packaging or at www.proteksa.co.za