Efficacy of Beauveria bassiana Against Housefly (Musca domestica): A Public Health Perspective

Abstract

Houseflies are mechanical vectors of numerous human and animal pathogens, posing a major public health threat in both urban and rural settings. This study assesses the efficacy of Entomopathogenic fungi isolated from housefly cadavers in controlling housefly populations as a model for integrated vector management in public health. The larvicidal efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against Musca domestica was evaluated. Three concentrations (1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, and 1×10⁸ conidia/ml) were applied to larvae, and mortality was observed at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Results demonstrated a clear dose- and time-dependent mortality pattern, with the highest mortality (95%) at 1×10⁸ conidia/ml after 72 hours. These findings support the use of B. bassiana as a promising biocontrol tool with implications for integrated vector management strategies in public health.