The biting fly Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) in dairy herds in New Zealand

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Abstract
Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), the biting fly, is an important source of irritation to dairy herds in many North Island districts. In rural areas, uncovered ensilage stacks are the main breeding sites of the insect. Optimum breeding conditions occur in the presence of an adequate supply of moisture and favourable temperatures. Significant breeding sources in urban areas include open compost heaps, piles of grass clippings, and accumulations of other decomposing organic substances. In areas free of ensilage stacks and other breeding media there is no problem. Few flies will disperse farther than is necessary to secure blood meals. Generally, the presence of 15 flies/animal will cause restlessness, and subsequent interference with normal grazing habits. Daily fly activity in dairy herds is influenced to a great extent by prevailing weather conditions. Because of overriding factors closely associated with lactation trends, little relation between daily fly abundance and milk yield's was found. Covering is a satisfactory means of preventing biting flies from breeding in ensilage stacks, but this method failed to control the insect in dairy herds on a farm bordering Palmerston North city, probably because of other uncontrolled breeding sites in the vicinity. Biting fly larvae are susceptible to insecticides, but the residues associated with many chemicals would make their employment on ensilage stacks undesirable.

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