Summary

Cream coloured ceramic jug with a house fly attached to the spout. The jug and fly were part of 'The House Fly' exhibit used in the Institute of Applied Science in the 1960s. The model showed how flies could easily leave traces of their saliva and stomach contents on domestic crockery, potentially contaminating food and drink.

The exhibit drew attention to the public health aspects of house flies, noting its role in spreading diseases such as typhoid, tuberculosis, anthrax and cholera. Exhibit signage stated 'No effort should be spared to eradicate this dangerous insect'. Recommended control methods included covering garbage bins and other waste (to prevent egg-laying and larval development), using wire mesh screens and net covers, and the use of insecticides such as pyrethrin and DDT. DDT has since been banned for most agricultural and domestic purposes in a majority of countries worldwide, due to adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Physical Description

Cream-coloured ceramic jug with prepared / desiccated house fly attached to spout. Around the fly is a metal red circle with an arrow pointing downwards.

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