LAUSR

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 period 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 to 21 percent. 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. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.