A push–pull strategy to suppress stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) attacks on pasture cattle via a coconut oil fatty acid repellent formulation and traps with m-cresol lures

Authors

Alexander T. Lehmann, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Gary J. Brewer, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
David J. Boxler, University of NebraskaFollow
Junwei J. Zhu, USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Kathy Hanford, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
David Taylor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
James A. Kenar, USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Steven C. Cermak, USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Jerome A. Hogsette, USDA, Agricultural Research Service

Date of this Version

3-26-2023

Citation

Pest Manag Sci 2023. DOI 10.1002/ps.7480

Comments

Open access.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Stable flies [Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)] are economically important pests of cattle and other livestock. As an alternative to conventional insecticides, we tested a push–pull management strategy using a coconut oil fatty acid repellent formulation and an attractant-added stable fly trap.

RESULTS: In our field trials we found that weekly applications of a push–pull strategy can reduce stable fly populations on cattle as well as a standard insecticide (permethrin). We also found that the efficacy periods of the push–pull and permethrin treatments following on-animal application were equivalent. Traps with an attractant lure used as the pull component of the push–pull strategy captured sufficient numbers of stable flies to reduce on-animal numbers by an estimated 17–21%.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first proof-of-concept field trial demonstrating the effectiveness of a push–pull strategy using a coconut oil fatty acid-based repellent formulation and traps with an attractant lure to manage stable flies on pasture cattle. Also notable is that the push–pull strategy had an efficacy period equivalent to that of a standard, conventional insecticide under field conditions.