[en] Repeated observation of "mothflies" at CHU Brugmann (Horta site hospital in Brussels) is not an isolated incident. Many public buildings have been infested by these Diptera of the Psychodidae Family. Although the species currently seen in Belgium is not a danger to human health, any infestation should be swiftly eradicated so as to limit the risks of a massive proliferation, source of hygiene problems and of potential bacterial dissemination. A good knowledge of adult and larval biology allows the potential sites of infestation to be quickly identified. The method to be envisaged to solve the problem will combine different approaches such as removing the risk factors (decomposing organic matter), monitoring egg-laying sites, applying caustic soda-based products and possibly treating with insecticide.
Disciplines :
Public health, health care sciences & services Zoology
Author, co-author :
Verheggen, François ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech > Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech
Mignon, Jacques ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech > Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech
Louis, Josiane ; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège - CHU > STERILISATION
Haubruge, Eric ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech > Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech
Vanderpas, J.
Language :
English
Title :
Mothflies (Diptera : Psychodidae) in hospitals: A guide to their identification and methods for their control
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