Control of buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua de Meijere) on dairy and beef cattle using traps

Abstract

The design and testing of traps are described for control of the buffalo fly Haematobia irritans exigua on dairy and beef cattle in Australia. The initial design, for use on milking cows, consisted of a translucent, plastic-covered tunnel, with compartments separated by plastic partitions and doorways with black shade-cloth curtains. The curtains brushed flies off the cattle as they passed through the tunnel. The flies were attracted to the light and ascended the walls to be confined in the dome-shaped roof. The traps removed 80% of the flies each time the cattle passed through them. During farm trials in 1990-91, fly numbers (8) on milking cows were reduced by 85% compared with those (94) on other cattle on the same farm, and by 65% compared with neighbouring milking cows (30), which received an average of three pesticide treatments. Breeding of buffalo fly was reduced by 81% on the pastures grazed by milking cattle using the traps. In 1992 and 1993, a smaller portable trap was developed for use by all types of cattle. Replacement of the shade-cloth curtains with brushes and addition of a translucent false ceiling increased the efficiency of the trap from 80 to 90%. The traps achieved 90% control on five dairy and two beef properties compared with cattle given traditional pesticide treatments. The results demonstrate the feasibility of controlling Haematobia without insecticides, by using a simple, sustainable and environmentally friendly trap, provided that cattle use the traps regularly.