Field performance of Lynfield and McPhail traps for monitoring male and female sterile Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and wild Dacus newmani (Perkins)

BACKGROUND: McPhail traps, baited with protein food lure, are used worldwide for surveillance of many species of fruit flies. Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a native Australian fruit fly and normally monitored using Lynfield traps baited with cuelure. On some occasions, McPhail traps with wet food lures are deployed to detect female flies or to find the incursion epicentre. This paper reviews field results on the merits of Lynfield and McPhail traps for detection of male and female Qfly. RESULTS: Following release of equal numbers of sterile males and females, Lynfield traps baited with cuelure captured more Qfly males than protein autolysate or orange concentrate in McPhail traps. Significantly more male than female Qfly were captured in McPhail traps baited with protein autolysate or orange. There was no significant difference between orange concentrate lure and protein autolysate lure in attracting either males or females. Another Australian native fruit fly, Dacus newmani (Perkins), was attracted to cuelure in Lynfield traps but not to either lure in McPhail traps. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained run counter to the reputation of McPhail traps baited with protein autolysate or orange concentrate as a specialist lure/trap combination for female Qfly. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Toxicity of insecticides to the tsetse fly,Glossina palpalis palpalis in Nigeria and comparison of tolerances in 1974–1975 and 1979–1982

Abstract

Toxicities o1 12 chemical insecticides to wild‐caught tsetse flies, Glossina palpalis palpalis in Nigeria were measured by topical application. Median lethal doses (as ng per fly) at 48 h after application for older flies, males (females), were: DDT 331 (700), dieldrin 14 (46), endosulfan 8 (15), malathion 193 (273), fenitrothion 47, pirimiphos methyl 31 (45), tetrachlorvinphos 14 (33), sumicidin 28 (58), neopynamin 12 (15), sumithrin 10 (8), permethrin 4.4 (5.9), deltamethrin 0.45 (0.94). Lethality expressed as dose per whole fly can be termed effective toxicity/tolerance and those expressed as dose per weight unit of fly can be termed intrinsic (or true) toxicity/tolerance. Generally, effective tolerance was greater for females than males, especially for older flies. However, intrinsic tolerance was often about equal for the sexes or greater for males. Regardless of sex, effective tolerance increased with increasing fly age and intrinsic tolerance increased during later ageing but not during early ageing. This suggested that protecting mechanisms developed during ageing. Flies fed a few hours before treatment in 1979–1982 were more tolerant of three organochlorines and three organophosphates than flies fed the day before treatment in 1974–1975, probably due to diversion of poisons from sites of action into inert undigested blood. However, results and statistical analysis suggested a slight increase in true tolerance of males to DDT during the intervening years. Continued monitoring of tolerance in the fly populations is recommended.     

Assessment of the suitability of Tinopal as an enhancing adjuvant in formulations of the insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuillemin

BACKGROUND: Biopesticides based on Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuillemin hold great promise for the management of a wide range of insect pests. The conidia in the biopesticide formulation require an adjuvant to protect them from photoinactivation by sunlight. The suitability of Tinopal, an optical brightener used as sunscreen for baculovirus formulations, for use with B. bassiana was assessed. The aim was to study the effect of Tinopal on the growth and photoprotection of B. bassiana, and its effect on the susceptibility of insects to B. bassiana. RESULTS: Tinopal was found to have no adverse effect on the growth of B. bassiana. It was found to confer total protection (approximately 95% conidial germination at 10 g Tinopal L(-1)) from sunlight up to 3 h of exposure, and a better survival rate than controls even up to 4 h. Helicoverpa armigera Hübner larvae fed on diet with 5 g kg(-1) Tinopal were found to have reduced growth. The duration of the larval stage increased by 3-4 days in 1 and 5 g kg(-1) Tinopal treatments. Among the moths that emerged from larvae fed on diet with 5 g kg(-1) Tinopal, a significantly high number were malformed compared with controls. The larvae that were fed diet with Tinopal showed quicker and higher mortality and required a lower effective lethal dose (LC(50)) than the controls. Tinopal was found to have a synergistic effect with B. bassiana in causing insect mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Tinopal was found to be a suitable adjuvant for B. bassiana-based biopesticide formulations. It conferred tolerance to sunlight and caused stress in the insect, leading to a synergistic effect with B. bassiana.     

Effect of gamma radiation on sterility ofliriomyza trifolii flies

The effect of low doses of gamma radiation applied toLiriomyza trifolii Burgess eggs or 1st-instar larvae, on the ensuing flies was studied. Doses of 50 or 40 Gy resulted in very few individuals reaching the adult stage; the life span of these flies was very short and they did not breed. A 25-Gy dose applied at the 1st instar allowed the development of many individuals into adults which emerged successfully, fed, and oviposited viable eggs which completed their development to adults. Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization. No. 3024-E, 1990 series.     

An olfactometer for measuring the repellent effect of chemicals on the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)

An olfactometer is described that permits the evaluation of chemicals acting in the vapour phase against the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (L.). Hungry flies, held in a metal frame cage covered with soft gauze, are attracted to a target held adjacent to one side of the cage, and emitting an attractive airflow. Flies landing on the target are counted at intervals of 15s. Flies starved for 24h were tested in the olfactometer when 2, 3 and 4 days old. With the exception of the first exposure of the 4-day-old flies, all the flies of the three ages showed greater than 80% attraction to the olfactometer target after exposure for 2 min, for each of four successive exposures at 10-min intervals. For all ages there was a significant increase in attraction at the second exposure but no further increase with subsequent exposures. It is likely that the sensillae, stimulated by the first exposure, subsequently responded faster. Eight chemicals were incorporated into the airflow behind the target to test their effect on flies. Permethrin (a low vapour pressure pyrethroid) and crotoxyphos (a low vapour pressure organophosphate) did not act in the vapour phase. Empenthrin (a high vapour pressure pyrethroid) and dichlorvos (a high vapour pressure organophosphate) both exhibited the toxic effect of knock-down on the flies without repellency. Oil of citronella and citronellol, two known fly repellents, gave a general reduction of attraction that was dose dependent; fewer flies found the target and those that did stayed a shorter length of time. Natural pyrethrum gave a similar effect to these two at lower concentrations, but at higher concentrations, it also showed a repellent effect. N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide gave a low reduction in attraction. The olfactometer shows potential for use with other flying insects, both to observe the effects of an insecticide and also to study the behavioural responses in the absence of insecticides.     

饥饿情况下蠋蝽种内互残行为发生时期及影响

为明确饥饿情况下蠋蝽种内残杀行为的发生时期和影响因素,指导蠋蝽规模化繁育和释放,本文研究了不同发育时期和密度下的蠋蝽种内残杀行为。研究发现：蠋蝽对卵粒的种内互残行为主要发生在饥饿24 h以内,雌性蠋蝽对卵粒的取食行为显著强于雄性蠋蝽,取食比例是雄性的2.80～3.25倍、取食量是雄性的18.75～21.20倍,雌性取食下的卵粒羽化率为70.66%,显著低于雄性和对照的86.59%和87.88%。发育时期和饲养密度均显著影响蠋蝽的种内残杀行为,主要发生在饥饿后的19.63～36.00 h,并且1、2、3龄若虫没有表现出种内残杀行为,4龄以后种内残杀行为显著;低密度下蠋蝽种内互残行为不显著,但高密度会增强种内互残行为,且随密度的增加,种内互残行为显著增强。     

A push–pull strategy to suppress stable fly (Diptera: Muscidae) attacks on pasture cattle via a coconut oil fatty acid repellent formulation and traps with m-cresol lures

BACKGROUND

Stable flies [Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)] are economically important pests of cattle and other livestock. As an alternative to conventional insecticides, we tested a push–pull management strategy using a coconut oil fatty acid repellent formulation and an attractant-added stable fly trap.

RESULTS

In our field trials we found that weekly applications of a push–pull strategy can reduce stable fly populations on cattle as well as a standard insecticide (permethrin). We also found that the efficacy periods of the push–pull and permethrin treatments following on-animal application were equivalent. Traps with an attractant lure used as the pull component of the push–pull strategy captured sufficient numbers of stable flies to reduce on-animal numbers by an estimated 17–21%.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first proof-of-concept field trial demonstrating the effectiveness of a push–pull strategy using a coconut oil fatty acid-based repellent formulation and traps with an attractant lure to manage stable flies on pasture cattle. Also notable is that the push–pull strategy had an efficacy period equivalent to that of a standard, conventional insecticide under field conditions. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Helicoverpa armigera preference and performance on three cultivars of short-duration pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan): the importance of whole plant assays

BACKGROUND

Helicoverpa armigera is a major pest of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan). Efforts to develop pigeonpea varieties resistant to H. armigera attack have been met with limited success, despite reports of high levels of resistance to H. armigera in wild relatives of pigeonpea and reports of low to moderate levels of resistance in cultivated varieties. Here we examined H. armigera oviposition preference and larval performance on whole plants of three cultivars of short-duration pigeonpea: a susceptible control (ICPL 87) and two cultivars with purported host–plant resistance (ICPL 86012 and ICPL 88039).

RESULTS

In our no-choice oviposition experiment, H. armigera laid similar numbers of eggs on all three cultivars tested, but under choice conditions moths laid slightly more eggs on ICPL 88039. Larval growth and development were affected by cultivar, and larvae grew to the largest size (weight) and developed fastest on ICPL 86012. Moths laid most of their eggs on floral structures, sites where subsequent early instar larvae overwhelmingly fed. Experimentally placing neonate larvae at different locations on plants demonstrated that larvae placed on flowers experienced greater survival, faster development, and greater weight gain than those placed on leaves. The type and density of trichomes (a potential resistance trait) differed among cultivars and plant structures, but larvae selected to feed at sites where trichomes were absent.

CONCLUSION

Future work examining host–plant resistance against H. armigera should incorporate the behavioural preference of moths and larvae in experiments using whole plants as opposed to bioassays of excised plant parts in Petri dishes. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Foliar application of benzovindiflupyr shows non‐fungicidal effects in wheat plants

BACKGROUND

The fungicide benzovindiflupyr belongs to the class of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs). Certain SDHIs have shown plant physiological effects, so‐called secondary effects, that appeared to be related to the plant water status. Therefore, the effect of benzovindiflupyr on transpiration of leaves and whole wheat plants was studied under controlled conditions. Furthermore, wheat yield trials under controlled and natural drought stress in the field were conducted.

RESULTS

Transpiration of detached wheat leaves was reduced by benzovindiflupyr in a dose‐dependent manner. Similarly, whole‐plant transpiration decreased for several days following application of this fungicide. In 16 field trials under drought stress conditions that were classified as disease‐free, treatment of wheat plants at the flag leaf stage or at heading with benzovindiflupyr showed a grain yield increase (+5.2%; P ≤ 0.01) that was partially attributed to an increased thousand‐grain weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Water saving during pre‐anthesis as a result of benzovindiflupyr application may be associated with better seed setting and filling under dry field conditions in wheat. The results of this research provide new insights into secondary effects of SDHIs that lead directly to yield improvements. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Effect of thiourea on the histopathology and the reproductive performance of the male flesh fly Sarcophaga ruficornis (Fabr.)

When newly emerged and 24-hour-old male flesh flies Sarcophaga ruficornis (Fabr.) were fed on food containing 1.5% thiourea for 24 h, there was a small decrease in the size of the testes in both cases. Disturbance in spermatogenesis and histopathological damage were also observed in both cases. However, in the newly emerged flies the effect was mainly on secondary spermatocytes and spermatids, while in the others the effect was more pronounced on spermatogonia. The reproductive performance in respect of the production of larvae was considerably diminished in the newly emerged treated flies and was even further diminished in flies that were 24 h old when treated. The rate of adult emergence, however, remained unaffected for both kinds.     

Behaviour modifying effects of low systemic concentrations of imidacloprid on Myzus persicae with special reference to an antifeeding response

With a combination of biological, analytical, electrophysiological, and video-optical methods, it was possible to show that low concentrations of the new chloronicotinyl insecticide, imidacloprid, strongly affect the behaviour of Myzus persicae (Sulz.), leading eventually to the death of the aphids. Tests to elucidate the biological properties were performed under laboratory conditions with cabbage leaf petioles placed in insecticidal solutions over different periods of time. LC_15(24h) values were considered as low concentrations and calculated for imidacloprid and pirimicarb, respectively. Imidacloprid at low concentrations depressed the honeydew excretion of apterous adults of M. persicae by almost 95% within 24 h without affecting the vitality of the majority of aphids, whereas, at equitoxic concentrations, pirimicarb showed much weaker effects on honeydew excretion, which strongly coincided with mortality. In choice experiments with alate morphs of M. persicae over 48 h, their larvae almost always occurred on the untreated control leaf, and were not found on the leaf which was treated systemically with low concentrations of imidacloprid. Apterous aphids placed on cabbage leaves systemically treated with low concentrations of imidacloprid showed nearly the same decrease in weight as untreated starving aphids, suggesting that their death was caused by starvation. Aphids that were moved from imidacloprid-treated to untreated leaves after 24 h began feeding on the latter and showed a steady increase in weight and honeydew production. This suggests that the behavioural response is reversible. Aphids on pirimicarb-treated (equitoxic dose) leaves showed no decrease in weight. Electrical penetration graphs revealed that M. persicae on artificial membranes containing imidacloprid probed more often before feeding than aphids on control sachets. Time-lapse videofilming of apterous adults placed on cabbage leaves revealed a migration from the leaf treated with low concentrations of imidacloprid to an untreated leaf. From the results of these experiments and the observed symptomatology it is possible to postulate two different and dose-dependent modes of action of imidacloprid on M. persicae: (1) the well-known mode of action with visually obvious irreversible symptoms (paralysis, tremor, uncoordinated leg-movement) at field rates, and (2) the reversible starvation response as an antifeedant effect, which is not coupled with typical symptoms of neuronal disorder, at lower concentrations.     

Characteristics and implications of knockdown of the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans morsitans westw. by deltamethrin

Low doses of deltamethrin cause prolonged knockdown of the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans morsitans. Fifty per cent of female flies, treated with the LD₁₅-(48 h) of deltamethrin, failed to regain their capacity for normal flight for 30 h, compared with 6 h for bioresmethrin and 4 h for permethtin at the equivalent dose. Recovery after exposure to tetramethrin occurred within 1 h. The knockdown effect of deltamethrin on males was even more pronounced although, with both sexes, the onset of the effect was delayed for about 3 h. It is suggested that this prolonged knockdown effect of deltamethrin, at extremely low application rates, may make a significant contribution to the effectiveness of the compound against the tsetse fly.     

基于DRASTIC的松嫩平原地下水脆弱性模糊综合评价

松嫩平原是东北地区重要的能源交通工业基地和农牧业基地。近几十年来,在发展经济的同时,自然生态环境也在遭受着破坏,产生了许多环境地质问题。本文运用基于DRASTIC的模糊综合评价方法,对松嫩平原潜水的脆弱性进行了评价。在评价的过程中分析了影响松嫩平原固有脆弱性的最主要的7个水文地质参数,将研究区划分为75个评价单元,应用公式构建各单元归属于各个级别的最优相对隶属度矩阵,得出脆弱性评价结果,绘制出脆弱性分布图。结果表明脆弱区(易污染区)只分布在吉林省王府~伏龙泉南部高平原区很少一部分;较脆弱区(略易污染区)主要分布在各条主要河流两岸及其较大支流河漫滩,低阶地以及中部的低平原区。评价结果有利于合理利用土地,有效保护地下水资源和防止地下水污染。     

石羊河流域生态系统的气候变化脆弱性评估

选取石羊河流域生态系统作为研究对象,简要分析影响其生态系统气候变化脆弱性的主要因子。在此基础上,选取4类共13项指标,构建了生态系统脆弱性评价指标体系。通过层次分析法确定了指标权重,最后采用综合指标分析方法,对石羊河流域生态系统气候脆弱性现状进行了定量评价;结合气候变化情景,定量分析了未来该流域的脆弱性变化趋势,并给出减缓不利影响的对策和建议。     

Genetic improvement of the desiccation tolerance and host-seeking ability of the entomopathogenic nematode <Emphasis Type="Italic">Steinernema feltiae</Emphasis>

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) from the genus Steinernema (Steinernematidae) are used for biological control of insect pests. The infective stages of these nematodes are intolerant of extreme environmental conditions. Genetic improvement has been suggested as an approach for improving their ability to overcome these limitations. In this study, we bred a heterogeneous population of the EPN Steinernema feltiae Filipjev for desiccation tolerance (both rapid and slow) and enhanced host-seeking ability. We selected for tolerance of rapid desiccation by exposing infective juveniles (IJs) to ambient conditions (22–25°C; 50–65% r.h.) for 100 min. A survival rate of 80–90% was reached after ten selection cycles. To select for tolerance of slow desiccation, we exposed IJs to 97% r.h. for 72 h, followed by further exposure to 85% r.h. for an additional 72 h. A high survival rate (>85%) was obtained after 20 selection cycles. We selected for enhanced downward dispersal by forcing IJs to move through a sand column to reach larvae of last-instar Galleria mellonella placed at the bottom of the column. After 25 selection cycles, the majority (>75%) of these nematodes were found at the layer close to the insects. No reduction in fitness was detected in the selected populations. Nevertheless, the nematode population selected for enhanced downward dispersal displayed significantly higher infectivity than the foundation population. The population selected for slow desiccation was more tolerant of heat stress than the foundation population. These findings establish the basis for improvement of this nematode for use as a biological control agent under field conditions.     

From laboratory to point of entry: development and implementation of a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)‐based genetic identification system to prevent introduction of quarantine insect species

BACKGROUND

Rapid genetic on‐site identification methods at points of entry, such as seaports and airports, have the potential to become important tools to prevent the introduction and spread of economically harmful pest species that are unintentionally transported by the global trade of plant commodities. This paper reports the development and evaluation of a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)‐based identification system to prevent introduction of the three most frequently encountered regulated quarantine insect species groups at Swiss borders, Bemisia tabaci, Thrips palmi and several regulated fruit flies of the genera Bactrocera and Zeugodacus.

RESULTS

The LAMP primers were designed to target a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene and were generated based on publicly available DNA sequences. Laboratory evaluations analysing 282 insect specimens suspected to be quarantine organisms revealed an overall test efficiency of 99%. Additional on‐site evaluation at a point of entry using 37 specimens performed by plant health inspectors with minimal laboratory training resulted in an overall test efficiency of 95%. During both evaluation rounds, there were no false‐positives and the observed false‐negatives were attributable to human‐induced manipulation errors. To overcome the possibility of accidental introduction of pests as a result of rare false‐negative results, samples yielding negative results in the LAMP method were also subjected to DNA barcoding.

CONCLUSION

Our LAMP assays reliably differentiated between the tested regulated and non‐regulated insect species within <1 h. Hence, LAMP assays represent suitable tools for rapid on‐site identification of harmful pests, which might facilitate an accelerated import control process for plant commodities. © 2018 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.     

Evidence for oil-induced oxidative stress to larvae of the lightbrown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana Walker (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

For the purpose of understanding better the mode of action of alkanes on insects, the relationship between mortality, weight loss in oxygen enriched atmospheres and dietary antioxidants was examined using an alkane, C15 Ampol CPD and a spray oil, C23 DC-Tron NR, on lightbrown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana Walker, (LBAM). The results showed that the surfactant blend used in CPD was an insignificant contributor to the overall toxicity of dilute oil/water emulsions. Higher weight loss occurred in CPD-dipped larvae than C23 DC-Tron NR-dipped larvae, which suggests that alkanes disrupt tracheal waxes and render insects more prone to desiccation. High levels of oxygen increased the toxicity of CPD to LBAM larvae. In addition, dietary supplements of anti-oxidant, alpha-tocopherol, fed to LBAM larvae were successful in reducing the toxicity of CPD. These results suggest that the alkane may contribute to oxidative injury. The potential role of oil-induced oxidative stress in acute and chronic toxicity in insects is discussed.     

多杀霉素亚致死浓度对棉铃虫幼虫生理及代谢的影响

为明确田间使用多杀霉素亚致死浓度对棉铃虫Helicoverpa armigera幼虫的影响,用含多杀霉素亚致死浓度LC₂₅的人工饲料持续饲喂棉铃虫3龄幼虫,并对饲喂后其体重、取食量、累计蛹化率、蛹发育历期和蛹重等生长发育及脂肪体内甘油三脂（triglyceride,TG）含量和相关基因SREBP、FAS和HSL表达情况进行测定。结果表明,多杀霉素对棉铃虫的亚致死浓度LC₂₅为0.21 mg/kg;多杀霉素亚致死浓度处理4~6 d后,棉铃虫3龄幼虫体重分别为0.065、0.263和0.329 g,较对照显著降低;处理6 d后,其取食量为0.082 g,较对照显著降低;处理4~7 d后,其累计化蛹率分别为60.90%、63.20%、65.50%和65.50%,较对照显著降低。多杀霉素亚致死浓度处理后,棉铃虫蛹发育历期由对照9.89 d显著延长至10.74 d,单头蛹重为0.274 g,显著低于对照的0.324 g;其脂肪体TG含量较对照显著降低。多杀霉素亚致死浓度处理24~72 h后,参与脂肪酸合成信号通路中重要基因SREBP和FAS的相对表达量较对照均显著下调,而参与脂肪代谢的重要基因HSL则较对照显著上调。     

甲醛对果蝇发育和繁殖的影响

甲醛已被广泛用于人们的日常生活中,成为室内环境的主要污染源。为探讨甲醛对动物不同发育阶段的毒性,本文以模式生物果蝇Drosophila melanogaster为对象,研究了饲料中添加不同浓度甲醛对果蝇生长发育的影响。结果显示,当对照组发育至3龄幼虫(孵化后3d)时,与未添加甲醛的对照组相比,饲料中添加0.25%或0.50%的甲醛极显著降低了幼虫的体重(P<0.01),添加了0.50%甲醛的饲料组中发育出来的雌、雄成蝇体重也显著低于对照组,其中雌虫体重的差异达到极显著水平。此外,饲料中添加甲醛,还显著延长了幼虫发育的时间,即从胚胎到化蛹的发育时间、胚胎到羽化的发育时间都极显著长于对照组(P<0.01),而其蛹期变态发育时间在对照组和各实验组之间没有显著差异。饲料中添加甲醛,还极显著降低了果蝇的产卵量(P<0.01)。综上结果表明,饲料中含有甲醛可显著降低果蝇的发育速度,影响果蝇的生长和繁殖力,但对果蝇蛹期变态发育过程没有显著影响。     

Laboratory trials of fatty acids as repellents or antifeedants against houseflies,horn flies and stable flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

BACKGROUND: Straight‐chain, saturated fatty acids (particularly C8, C9 and C10) have some known behavioral effects on insects such as mosquitoes, and were tested in combination for potential repellency/antifeedant activity in bioassays against three significant muscoid flies of medical/veterinary importance: houseflies, horn flies and stable flies. RESULTS: Mixtures of C8, C9 and C10 (1:1:1; 15% total actives in formulation) were highly repellent to houseflies and horn flies at or below 1 mg formulation cm^?2. Repellency time varied from < 1 day for houseflies to usually at least 3 days for horn flies. Individual longer‐chain‐length fatty acids were tested, and C11 repelled houseflies for up to 5–8 days, while C12 lasted 2 days. Minimum statistically significant repellency levels of the C8, C9 and C10 mixture (3 h after application) against horn flies were 0.06–0.12 mg cm^?2. A liquid formulation of the 15% C8, C9 and C10 mixture in a silicone oil carrier (at 2.8 mg AI cm^?2) was highly repellent against hungry stable flies in a blood‐feeding membrane bioassay for at least 8 h. CONCLUSION: The low toxicity and reasonable activity and persistence of these carboxylic acids make them good candidates for development as protective materials against pest flies in livestock settings. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry