How to Control the Uzi Fly
The uzi fly, which is a dipteran parasitoid, is a formidable pest of the silkworm. The uzi fly has been found in India, the southern parts of China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, South Korea and Thailand. Each female uzi fly can lay between 300 and 1,000 eggs within 25 days. These eggs are laid on the body of the silkworm larvae, which is then penetrated by the uzi fly maggot as soon as it hatches. Due to the extensive damage this fly causes to the silkworm population, effective control of the species is necessary.
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Things You'll Need
- Plaster and / or wood filler
- Boiling water
- Formaldehyde
- Large plastic containers
- Wooden framed structures, covered in insect proof netting
- Insect proof screens
- Mosquito nets
- Levigated china clay
- Commercial uzicide, containing 1 percent benzoic
Instructions
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Find and repair any holes and cracks in the walls of the silkworm rearing rooms. Uzi fly maggots pass through three stages: the first two being beneath the "skin" of the silkworm larvae and the third being in the body cavity of the silkworm larvae. Mature uzi fly maggots leave the silkworm larvae and seek dark areas such as crevices in order to pupate.
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Destroy silkworm cocoons that have uzi fly maggots in them. Infested silkworm pupae can be identified by the incidence of black scars on that area of the "skin" where the maggot penetrated into the body of the larvae.
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Do not, under any circumstance, transport infected silkworm cocoons to areas where the uzi fly is not yet established. Immediately dispose of silkworm cocoons containing uzi fly maggots by placing the cocoons in either hot water or in containers of formaldehyde.
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Erect a frame and cover it with insect-proof netting to create a physical barrier around the small silkworm rearing rooms. Install a double-door system, creating a small cubicle between the two doors.Any uzi flies that followed you in can be sprayed with insecticide before you pass through the second door.
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Place insect-proof screens in the windows and on doors of large facilities.
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Hang mosquito nets inside the rearing rooms over the trays and racks containing silkworms.
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Sprinkle levigated china clay (also known as hydrated alumino-silicate powder) onto the silkworms, to discourage the uzi fly from laying eggs on them. Add 0.1 oz. of per 100 silkworm larvae.
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Make use of the commercial uzicide that was developed in India. This uzicide contains 1 percent benzoic acid and destroys uzi fly eggs if applied within two days after they have been laid.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit worm image by saied shahinkiya from Fotolia.com
