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

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. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

An Integrated Pest Management Strategy Approach for the Management of the Stable Fly Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

“…Most previous studies have described the principles of the IPM approaches and/or push-pull strategies [6,7,47]; however, very few studies have presented case studies or tested these methodologies under field conditions [1,48]. To the best of our knowledge, we provide one of the most comprehensive examples of non-toxic IPM programs published so far.…”

Identification of aggregation pheromones released by the stick tea thrips (Dendrothrips minowai) larvae and their application for controlling thrips in tea plantations

“…Semiochemicals are widely applied in integrated pest management (IPM). 10,11 Pheromones are chemicals secreted by insects to induce physiological or behavioral changes in intraspecific members and therefore play a crucial role in intraspecific communications. 8,12,13 Insect pheromones encompass various types, including sex pheromones, aggregation pheromones, alarm pheromones and trail pheromones, among others.…”