Fly Resistance to Insecticides

Resistance to insecticides is a significant issue among livestock fly pests such as house flies, stable flies, horn flies, and face flies. These pests have developed resistance to many insecticides. To manage this resistance effectively:

1. Use Insecticides Only When Needed: Apply insecticides only when pest populations reach action threshold numbers specific to each fly species. This minimizes unnecessary insecticide use and helps delay resistance development.
2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Implement all non-insecticide control tactics alongside chemical treatments. Integrating various control methods can maintain lower pest populations without heavy reliance on insecticides.
3. Rotate Chemical Active Ingredients: Alternate insecticides with different active ingredients to prevent flies from developing resistance to a particular chemical. Always check and compare active ingredients before use.
4. Understand Modes of Action: Each insecticide’s mode of action (how it kills insects) is classified by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC). Using insecticides with different modes of action helps manage and reduce resistance. For more information, visit the IRAC website: IRAC Mode of Action Classification.

VetPestX: A Resource for Selecting Appropriate Insecticides

The VetPestX search engine is a useful tool for finding the right insecticide for your farming situation. It allows you to:

1. Select the type of livestock.
2. Choose the fly pest that needs control.
3. Specify the type of pesticide application and formulation.

Visit VetPestX (Pesticides for control of Insect Pests of Animals) here: VetPestX

By following these guidelines and utilizing resources like VetPestX, you can manage fly populations more effectively while mitigating the risk of insecticide resistance.

Coming next week-organic insecticides and repellents.