Control of house flies, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), with imidacloprid WG 10 in pig farms (Germany)

Abstract:
In fly control, the development of new insecticidal compounds with oral action encourages the development of baits. Imidacloprid, which belongs to the chloronicotinyl class of compounds, is most active when it is ingested and it is used in fly control as a granule for application as scatter bait (QuickBayt®1 Granular Fly Bait). A 10% imidacloprid water dispersible, sugar based formulation, which can be applied as spray and paint-on, was developed as further option for fly control in livestock facilities. In contrast to residual contact insecticides imidacloprid WG 10 (QuickBayt®1 Spray) must not be applied to every suitable surface, but only to areas, which are preferred by the flies particularly during their activity phase. The attractiveness of the WG 10 formulation is increased by a mixture of z-9 tricosene and a new fly attractant (LEJ 179) developed by Bayer. The product remained attractive for flies over a period of several weeks and moribund and dead flies were observed under field conditions up to 6 weeks when applied as spray and 8 weeks when applied as paint-on. A high level of pyrethroid resistance in fly populations did not influence the good results with imidacloprid WG 10. The fast knock down within minutes and long term activity of the imidacloprid WG 10 against Musca domestica (L.) (Diptera/Muscidae) after application as spray or paint-on was confirmed with numerous trials in different livestock housings. Imidacloprid WG 10 was also effective against other fly species such as the blood sucking Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus) (Diptera/Muscidae).