Use of Parasitoids and Passive Traps as Alternative Methods of Fly Control on Dairy Farms in Arkansas

2005 Annual Report for OS03-016

Project Type: On-Farm Research
Funds awarded in 2003: $15,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2005
Region: Southern
State: Arkansas
Principal Investigator:
Jodie A. Pennington
University of Arkansas CES

Use of Parasitoids and Passive Traps as Alternative Methods of Fly Control on Dairy Farms in Arkansas

Objectives/Performance Targets

Our goal was to 1) incorporate additional integrated pest management (IPM) practices on the dairies, 2) expand to the northwest corner of the state to expose more producers to IPM and parasitoids, and 3) add fly traps to the methods of fly control to enhance fly control, especially for horn flies. The passive fly trapping method has been shown to provide about 70% control of horn flies. We also wanted to put additional emphasis on proper manure management as the project with Arkansas Dairy Cooperative indicated that fly populations are related to the amount of manure on the farms. With passive fly traps, producers had(1) a method of non-chemical control for horn flies which should not aggravate resistance to insecticides and (2) greater confidence in IPM strategies to control horn flies without the benefit of excessive insecticide use.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

We accomplished our goals of 1) incorporating additional integrated pest management (IPM) practices on the dairies, 2) expanding to the northwest corner of the state to expose more producers to IPM and parasitoids, and 3) adding fly traps to the methods of fly control to enhance fly control, especially for horn flies. We also put additional emphasis on proper manure management as the project with ADCA indicated that fly populations are related to the amount of manure on the farms. With passive fly traps, producers had (1) a method of non-chemical control for horn flies which allowed them to decrease the use of insecticides and (2) allowed additional producers to have greater confidence in IPM strategies to control horn flies without the benefit of excessive insecticide use.

A sucess story of significant financial benefit to a producer occurred on one dairy which was utilizing extensive insecticides on his cattle, especially the calves, and had created a insecticide resistance problem. By using parasites and fly baits with a different insecticide, he reduced his pesticide use by an estimated 75% and reduced his fly problem. he also exposed his animals and his family to fewer pesticides.