Unique discovery at University of Hyderabad: LED Lights to end acid fly infestation in hostels

Tejas Anto Kannampuzha, an Integrated MSc Sciences (Physics) student at UoH, teamed up with Prof. B.R. Shamanna from the School of Medical Sciences, UoH, to tackle the ongoing problem of Acid Fly attacks on students in the university's hostel campus.

Hyderabad: A University of Hyderabad (UoH) student along with a Professor have figured out that white light emitting diodes i.e. LED lights if available in hostels, can reduce the perennial pest problem of Acid Fly attacks among students in the UoH campus.

Tejas Anto Kannampuzha, Integrated MSc Sciences (Physics) student at UoH collaborated with Prof. B.R.Shamanna of School of Medical Sciences, UoH to address the perennial issue of Acid Fly attacks on students in UoH hostel campus.

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The duo used a simple technology of the effect of reduced ultraviolet radiation from the light source used in the hostel rooms and its effect on acid fly attacks. The research by Tejas revealed that LED lights reduces rate of acid fly attacks in hostel rooms with LED lights when compared to rooms with other source of light like CFL or incandescent lamps.
The consequence of this research, published in the prestigious journal the Indian Journal of Entomology in December, 2024, is significant for university campus as just by altering the light source in the hostel rooms, by switching to LED lights it can significantly reduce this perennial but irritating pest problem.

In the research, Tejas found that the Acid flies (Paederus spp.) which are rove beetles induce acidic burns on skin during night contact called Paederus dermatitis and are considered a global pest. He conducted a research study among 209 hostel residents affected by an outbreak of Paederus dermatitis in the University of Hyderabad hostel to study the effect of light on attacks by this pest.

Congratulating the duo, the Vice Chancellor, UoH, Prof. B.J. Rao, urged them to demonstrate the fly attraction coefficient against various forms of light, press release added.