CONTROL OF AGGREGATED POPULATIONS OF THE EYE FLY SIPHUNCULINA FUNICOLA (DIPTERA: CHLOROPIDAE) USING PYRETHROID AEROSOLS

Three commercially available insecticide aerosol compositions containing cyphenothrin, imiprothrin, cypermethrin, d-tetramethrin and permethrin, in various combinations and concentrations were evaluated for control of the oriental eye flies Siphunculina funicola (de Meijere) from their aggregation substrates in two villages in the Chon Buri Province, Thailand. Each aerosol produced almost complete kill of eye flies on most of the treated substrates. Time to reoccupation of each treated substrate was determined at 24, 48 and 72 hours post-treatment. All 3 aerosol preparations killed eye flies on most of the treated substrates and kept most of the substrates free of eye flies for at least 48-72 hours. The effectiveness and longevity of the aerosols varied depending on the type and location of the substrate. Smooth, hairy and polished substrates did not intercept sufficient insecticide; therefore providing low residual activity compared to porous and coated surfaces. Aerosols applied to substrates located at higher levels gave good initial kill, but reoccupation of these substrates by flies occurred relatively quickly (within 24-48 hours) following treatment. Attempts should be made to discharge aerosol flumes closer than 1 m from the aggregation substrates.