ABSTRACT
The effects of two industrial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bactimos and Vectobac) on larval and adult stages of Musca domestica L. were assessed in the laboratory. Biocides concentrations of 0.4% to 2% were tested on larvae, while the concentrations of 1% and 2% were tested on adults and were given to the flies in their diet. Larval mortality ranged between 38% and 53% and between 55% and 71% for bactimos and Vectobac respectively. Pupation rates decreased from 91% in the control group down to 47% and 29% for Bactimos and Vectobac respectively. Moreover, adult emergence rates decreased 3-4 folds in groups treated with the highest biocide concentrations. The effect on adult mortality was relatively lower, as control adults showed 4% mortality whereas those treated with Bactimos and Vectobac experienced 17-28% and 32-44% mortality respectively. In addition, biocides treatment induced a dramatic decrease in female fecundity from 273 eggs/female in the control to 118-180 eggs/female treated siblings. These findings indicate that Bactimos and Vectobac possess both direct and indirect harmful effects on Musca domestica.