Some forensic entomological evidence suggests that insect oviposition on carrion can be delayed in the presence of insecticides. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of a common insecticide (Dursban) on pig decomposition. There were three experimental treatments and a control and each treatment had 3 replicates, treatments included: 1) pigs soaked in insecticide for 24h; 2) pigs sprayed in the field with insecticide; 3) pigs enclosed within screenings to exclude insects and; 4) control pigs (no insecticide used). Preliminary evidence indicates that pig decomposition was significantly slower on pigs treated with insecticide vs. no insecticide.
Keywords: Forensic Entomology
The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA