Semiochemicals and natural repellents in biting fly management

Authors: Zhu, Junwei - Jerry; Wang, Haichuan (john)

Submitted to: Current Opinion in Insect Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/14/2024
Publication Date: 6/20/2024
Citation: Zhu, J.J., Wang, H. 2024. Semiochemicals and natural repellents in biting fly management. Current Opinion in Insect Science. 64. Article 101223. Available: http://www.sciencedirect.com.

Interpretive Summary: Biting flies, including stable flies and horn flies, are becoming the most serious pests of livestock, companion animals, and humans by inflicting painful bites and interrupting normal animal behavior as well as recreational/outdoor activities of human. It is estimated that they are causing over 3 billion dollars of economic losses in the US livestock industry annually. Both biting flies are also major vectors of transmitting various diseases among animals. The present review summarizes the recent advances of research in biting fly chemical and sensory ecology, especially on novel attractant-repellent discoveries and their practical control for these vector pests and beyond.

Technical Abstract: Biting flies, including stable flies and horn flies, are considered important pests of livestock, companion animals, and humans by inflicting painful bites and interrupting normal animal behavior and human recreational/outdoor activities. It is estimated that they cause an annual loss of over 3 billion dollars in the US livestock industry. Both groups of pest flies further transmit various infectious diseases to animals and humans. The present review summarizes recent research advancements in stable and horn fly chemical and sensory ecology, especially in the discovery of novel attractants and repellents, as well as their controls for these blood-sucking flies and beyond.