LED Lights Help Reduce Acid Fly Problem in Hostels
A research project at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) has found a simple solution to reduce the persistent problem of Acid Fly attacks on campus. Tejas Anto Kannampuzha, an integrated MSc Sciences (Physics) student, collaborated with Professor B R Shamanna from the School of Medical Sciences to investigate the impact of light sources on Acid Fly activity.
The study discovered that white light-emitting diode (LED) lights could significantly reduce Acid Fly attacks in hostel rooms compared to other light sources such as CFL and incandescent lamps. The findings were published in the Indian Journal of Entomology in December 2024, highlighting a practical way to improve living conditions for students by switching to LED lighting.
Tejas explained that the research focused on the reduced ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by LED lights. Acid Flies, also known as rove beetles, are attracted to light sources with higher UV radiation. The team found that using LED lights in hostel rooms lowered the frequency of fly attacks, offering a simple and effective solution to this irritating problem.
Acid Flies can cause painful skin burns during the night, leading to a condition called paederus dermatitis. The study revealed that 209 hostel residents had experienced an outbreak of this condition due to fly attacks. This highlighted the urgent need for a preventive measure on campus.
Following the study, UoH Vice Chancellor Professor B J Rao encouraged the researchers to continue their work. He suggested conducting further experiments to measure the “fly attraction coefficient” for different types of lighting based on UV content and light intensity. This could provide additional insights into the most effective lighting solutions.
The research offers hope for students dealing with Acid Fly problems, showing how small changes, like switching to LED lights, can make a big difference in improving their everyday lives.
