UoH study: LED lights can cut acid fly infestations significantly

Hyderabad: A study conducted by a University of Hyderabad alum has shown that switching to LED lights could significantly reduce acid fly infestations without relying on harmful methods like insecticides.

A practical solution to combat the persistent acid fly menace in student hostels has emerged from the University of Hyderabad (UoH). Tejas Anto Kannampuzha, a Physics student from the 2022 batch, collaborated with Prof BR Shamanna from the School of Medical Sciences to address the recurring issue using a simple yet effective lighting intervention.

Their study is called ‘Exploring the Use of White Light Emitting Diodes to Mitigate ‘Acid Fly’ Attacks.’

Their research identified that LED lights, which emit significantly lower ultraviolet A (UV-A) radiation compared to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or incandescent lights, can drastically reduce acid fly attacks. Acid flies (Paederus spp.), commonly known as rove beetles, are notorious for causing Paederus dermatitis, a painful skin condition resulting from accidental contact with the insect’s toxic secretion.

Research findings

A study conducted during the summer of 2023 surveyed 209 hostel residents affected by an outbreak of Paederus dermatitis.

It revealed that rooms with CFL lights had a 37.76 per cent likelihood of attacks. It also showed that LED-lit rooms faced only a 7.83 per cent likelihood of attacks.

By analyzing the standard emission spectra of various lighting types, the researchers established that LEDs emit minimal UV-A radiation, making them less attractive to acid flies.

Implications of study

Switching to LED lights across the university campus could significantly reduce acid fly infestations without relying on insecticides or other interventions, which had proven ineffective during the outbreak.

Vice Chancellor’s response

Vice Chancellor Prof. BJ Rao praised the research, emphasizing its practicality and relevance. He encouraged further studies to explore the attraction coefficient of various light sources, which could pave the way for more comprehensive pest control solutions.

Publication details

This innovative study was published in the prestigious Indian Journal of Entomology, offering a scalable solution for pest control in institutional and residential settings.

For more details, refer to the publication: DOI: 10.55446/IJE.2024.2572 with the title of the study being ‘Exploring the Use of White Light Emitting Diodes to Mitigate ‘Acid Fly’ Attacks.’