Waste Celery as a Breeding Medium for the Stablefly or “Dog Fly,” with Suggestions for Control

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Abstract
Waste celery is an important breeding place for the stablefly or "dog fly," Stomoxys calcitrans. At Sanford, Belle Glade, Sarasota, Wiersdale, and Island Grove the present methods of disposing of about 180,000 to 270,000 cu. yards of waste celery have resulted in severe localized outbreaks. The maximum density of dog fly breeding was calculated at 54,462 flies per cu. ft. and in selected places the housefly breeding was even more dense. Soon after exposure green strippings became infested and in < 18 days they produced adult dog flies. Where infested strippings were plowed under in the usual manner, 3d-stage larvae and pupae continued to produce flies. One cage containing 36 sq. ft. of plowed-under strippings produced a total of 11,653 dog flies within 5 days. Because of the expense and time involved in treating the huge quantity of strippings, it is suggested that the waste be crushed at the washing plants and that the pulp be conveyed automatically through a vat of aqueous Na arsenite, diluted creosote or gas condensate. The saving from treating the smaller quantity of waste would probably more than offset the cost of the crushing machinery and insecticide.

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