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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #310170
Title: Comparisons of antifeedancy and spatial repellency of three natural product repellents against horn flies, Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae)

Author
item Zhu, Junwei - Jerry
item BREWER, GARY - University Of Nebraska
item BOXLER, DAVID - University Of Nebraska
item Friesen, Kristina
item Taylor, David

Submitted to: Pest Management Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/4/2014
Publication Date: 12/10/2014
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/60200
Citation: Zhu, J.J., Brewer, G.J., Boxler, D.J., Friesen, K.M., Taylor, D.B. 2015. Comparisons of antifeedancy and spatial repellency of three natural product repellents against horn flies, Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae). Pest Management Science. DOI: 10.1002/PS.3960.

Interpretive Summary: Horn flies are among the most important pest of pastured cattle in the US. They feed on cattle causing annoyance, alteration of grazing behavior, reduction in feed conversion efficiency, and reduced milk production and weight gain, which the damages caused by horn flies cost US cattle producers $1 billion annually. Furthermore, horn flies are capable of transmitting Staphylococcus aureus mastitis and cause bovine teat atresia. Although insecticides remain the main horn fly management tool, alternative management methods are being considered and under development. The present paper reports efficacy and longevity of repellent and antifeeding activity of three natural products in laboratory bioassays and on cattle under field conditions.

Technical Abstract: BACKGROUND: Horn flies are among the most important biting fly pests of cattle in the United States. Horn fly management is largely dependent upon pesticides, which ultimately leads to the rapid development of insecticide resistance. Alternative control strategies, including repellents, have shown promising results in reducing fly biting. In the present study, we examined the efficacy and longevity of recently identified natural product repellents against horn flies. RESULTS: Catnip oil, geraniol and C8910 acids reduced horn fly feeding in a laboratory bioassay and also exhibited spatial repellency in the olfactometer. Residual activity was observed for up to 3 days in laboratory assays; however, 24 h of residual effectiveness was observed from the two repellents when applied on cattle in the field. The limited residual effectiveness was correlated with the high volatility of the major active repellent compounds. CONCLUSION: All three natural product repellents effectively repel biting horn flies, exhibiting both feeding deterrence and spatial repellency. They may be used for developing an effective push-pull strategy with a slow release matrix that can prolong their effectiveness for horn fly management.