Projects

Snyder Research Farm Builds and Local Resident Evaluates Greenhead Fly [Horsefly] Trap Developed by Rutgers — New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Professors Dr. E. Hansens and Dr. S. Race

Dr. Elton Hansens and Dr. Stewart Race developed a greenhead fly trap to measure populations in New Jersey marshlands. During the course of their work they found the trap effective in reducing populations of greenhead flies. In Hunterdon County and surrounding areas there is a greenhead fly referred to as a horsefly which is one of the greenhead fly species.

Doctors Hansens and Race wrote a fact sheet "The Greenhead and you.doc" for do-it-yourselfers on how to construct a greenhead fly trap which is simple to build.There are no bait's or poisons required.  Please click here for further information if you are bothered by greenhead flies around your property.

During the summer of 2007 an Alexandria Township resident was given a greenhead fly trap constructed as a do-it-yourself project by Snyder Research Farm employee Robert Hasse for evaluation. Although it was not an experiment, the resident homeowner was very satisfied with a single trap eliminating nuisance from greenhead flies around the swimming pool and property. As can be seen in the attached photographs Robert used PVC pipe along with a black polyester cloth to produce his own version of the trap.  [Bob Hasse - Greenhead Trap] There are traps commercially available but cost in the hundreds of dollars, while do-it-yourselfers can build them economically. The important part of the design is to maintain the overall height and width along and a black appearance.It would make a good biology project for grammar school/high school students. Click here to see the three attached photos of a greenhead fly trap.