Performance Evaluation of Damong Maria (Artemisia vulgaris) Leaf Extract-Based Sticky Fly Trap Against House Flies (Musca domestica)

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Damong Maria (Artemisia vulgaris) leaf extracts as an additive in a sticky paper cup fly trap for controlling house flies (Musca domestica). House flies are known carriers of harmful pathogens, contributing to the spread of diseases that affect both humans and animals. The increasing resistance of flies to chemical insecticides and the health risks associated with these chemicals highlight the need for safer and more sustainable pest control methods involving fly traps such as sticky fly traps.
The study involves the collection, identification, and preparation of Damong Maria leaves, followed by extraction using ethanol. The extract is incorporated into a homemade sticky adhesive made from corn syrup. Three treatment concentrations, 2.5 mL, 5 mL, and 7.5 mL, along with a control group without extract, were tested. Each treatment was replicated three times using h
Field testing was conducted in a poultry area in Magmarale, San Miguel, Bulacan, where traps were exposed for 6 hours. Data were gathered by recording the number of flies captured and the mortality rate of flies per trap over the total span of 8 hours, and monitoring every 2 hours. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), was used to determine significant differences among treatments. A correlation test was also performed to assess the relationship between extract concentration and fly mortality.
This study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds present in Damong Maria and determine their potential contribution to fly control. Findings provided a low-cost, plant-based alternative to chemical insecticides. The results may support the development of safer pest management strategies suitable for small-scale and local settings.