Body Water-Mediated Conductivity Actualizes the Insect-Control Functions of Electric Fields in Houseflies

摘要

The attractive forces generated in a static electric field, as well as corona and arc discharges generated in a dynamic electric field, are practical approaches for trapping and killing insects that enter the electric field. These electrostatic methods are realized by the conductive nature of the insect body. Thus, this work examined the role of body water on the conduction of electricity in the insect body. Adult houseflies (Musca domestica) were subjected to dehydration, rehydration, refrigeration, and freezing and thawing. These insects were then placed in static and dynamic electric fields to examine whether the release of negative charges from the insect caused attraction in the static field, as well as whether the fly was heated or dismembered when electricity passed through its body in a dynamic field. There was no current in the bodies of dehydrated and frozen flies; hence, there was no attractive force or discharge exposure. In the remaining insects, the results were identical to those in the control insects. Therefore, the conduction of electricity in the insect’s body water enables the insect-control effects of the electric fields.