Field evaluation of chemical attractants against the flyFannia femoralis (Diptera: Muscidae).

Four chemical compounds previously shown to be attractants toHippelates eye gnats and houseflies were evaluated againstFannia femoralis (Stein). Two of the compounds, trimethylamine hydrochloride andn-butyric acid, were determined to be the principal attractants against this fly. A composition containing trimethylamine hydrochloride (yielding trimethylamine in presence of water),n-butyric acid, and an anchovy meal inert carrier proved highly attractive. To evaluate the practical use of the synthetic fly attractant (SFA) formulation, a large-scale trial over an entire poultry ranch was implemented using SFA formulation and a sugar toxicant (as a killing agent) in specially designed traps. Within 2 weeks after initiation of SFA-toxicant treatments, significant reduction inF. femoralis population from the pretreatment level occurred. This high level of reduction prevailed during the remainder of the treatment period.