Experiments on Control of the Face Fly

Abstract

Field tests were conducted in central Maryland against the face fly (Musca autumnalis DeGeer), which occurred for the first time in this area as a serious pest of livestock in 1960. Baits containing sugar syrup or malt plus Dipterex® (dimethyl(2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethyl)phosphonute), methoxychlor, DDVP, and malathion were compared in tests in which the face, head, or topline of the animal was treated. Dipterex and DDVP gave erratic reduction but were superior to methoxychlor and malathion. Pyretheins and piperonyl butoxide in mineral oil with and without repellent R-326® (di-n-propyl isocinchomeronate) and barthrin and piperonyl butoxide were sprayed on the head and the head and front quarters of the dairy and beef cattle. Only barthrin-piperonyl butoxide was moderately effective into the second day. Other tests compared repellent effects of various materials applied to the heads of the animals with paintbrushes. Several sprays containing pyrethrins plus synergists or repellents were also tested. Repellent R-1207® (3-ehloropropyl n-octyl sulfoxide) was most effective 1 day after treatment. Emulsions and dusts tested were ineffective.