Efficacy of entomopathogenic bacteria for control of Musca domestica

• Bacillus strains were screened for activity against M. domestica.
• Bacterial toxic effects reduce larvae and pupae numbers.
• The presence of bacteria induces the emergence of defective adults.
• The screened bacteria can be used as alternative for M. domestica control.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the larvicidal activity, and sub lethal effects of entomopathogenic bacteria Brevibacillus laterosporus, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki, and a commercial formulation of Bacillus sphaericus on Musca domestica. Bacterial suspensions were prepared in different concentrations and added to the diet of newly-hatched larvae which were monitored until the adult stage. The larvae were susceptible to the B. laterosporus, B. thuringiensis var. israelensis, and B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki bacteria in varied concentration levels. These bacteria have larvicidal and sub lethal effects on the development of flies, reducing both adult size, and impairing the reproductive performance of the species.

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