Tests Against Face Flies on Cattle in New Jersey During 19601

Abstract

In tests with formulations of repellents, insecticides, insecticides plus repellent, and insecticides plus attractant, applied as wipes, paints, or sprays against face fly (Musea autumnalis De-Geer) on dairy cattle in New Jersey, no treatment was considered outstanding from the viewpoint of reducing annoyance from this pest. A few hours of relief was attributed to the use of synergized pyrethrins plus repellents such as Crag Fly Repellent® (butoxy polypropylene glycol) or MGK R1207 (8-ehloropropyl n-octyl sulfoxide) applied as a face wipe or as a spray directed at the head. Dilution of a methoxychlor-Crag Fly Repellent concentrate to 0.5% methoxychlor and 5% Crag Fly Repellent appeared to have slightly better residual action but it would need to be applied daily. Dibrom® (1,2-dibromo-2,2-dichloroethyl dim ethyl phosphate) (at 0.2% to 0.5% in a water dispersed spray) applied daily to faces of cattle appeared to result in a moderate reduction of face flies. Although no untoward effects were noted in these tests, continued treatment with Dibromo would require that a formulation be developed which would not be irritating to animals or operator. Other toxicants which were tried and found to be of doubtful value as used were CO-Ral® (O,O-diethyl O-(3-chloro-4-methylumbelliferone) phosphorothioate), Dylox® (dimethyl (2,2,2-triehloro-1-hydroxyethyl) phosphonate), Diazinon ® (O,O-dietbyl O-(2-isopropyl 6-methyl-4-pyrilnidyl) thiophosphate), GC4072 (diethyl-1-(2,4 dichlorophenyl)-2-chlorovinyl phosphate), dimethoate, and DDVP. Combinations of these with attractants such as corn syrup or granulated sugar spread on the faces of the animals also failed to provide relief from annoyance. Continued use of these baits caused the hair on the cows head to become matted and sticky. As a favorable byproduct of frequent treatment with formulations containing insecticides, annoyance from horn flies (Haematobia irritans (L.)) and stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)) on the animals bodies was less than is usually observed in the summer season.