Evaluation of a yearly insecticidal ear tag rotation for control of pyrethroid-resistant horn flies (Diptera: Muscidae)

From 1991 to 1997, the yearly alternated use of synergized pyrethroid (lambda-cyhalothrin + piperonyl butoxide) and organophosphate (pirimiphos-methyl) ear tags was evaluated for the control of two pyrethroid-resistant horn fly populations in Louisiana. At each site, weekly fly counts were used to assess product efficacy. Control achieved by synergized pyrethroid ear tag treatments was reduced from 7 to 2 weeks and from 4 to 0 weeks at St. Joseph and Winnsboro, respectively. Control by organophosphate ear tags decreased from 15 to 3 weeks and from 10 to 7 weeks at St. Joseph and Winnsboro, respectively. The rotation of synergized lambda-cyhalothrin and pirimiphos-methyl ear tags did not improve pyrethroid ear tag efficacy or prevent further development of resistance to the pyrethroid or OP compound. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.