Control of Stablefly, or “Dog Fly,” Breeding in Shore Deposits of Bay Grasses

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Abstract
In studies of the stablefly, or "dog fly," Stomoxys calcitrans, which breed in grass deposits along the shores of bays and sounds of n. w. Florida, eggs were commonly found at the rate of 1,000 per sq. ft. of grass and larvae at the rate of 15.4 per sq. ft. From material in 3 cages 38.5, 22.3, and 25.7 flies emerged per cu. ft. of grass. Spray treatments of infested grasses with creosote in Diesel oil resulted in a complete kill of eggs, larvae, and pupae, and there was no subsequent breeding of the flies in the treated grasses. The creosote was observed to remain in the grass for > 30 days after the time for fermentation had passed. Large-scale spray operations covering 700 miles of shore line reduced the fly population in the treated area to < 2 flies per animal on cattle; flies appeared in outbreak numbers in untreated districts adjacent to the area under control. Predatory dragonflies identified as Anax junius, Pachydiplax longipennis, and Tramea lacerata were observed to feed on dog flies.

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