The Culicoides are very small (1-4 mm long), thus the common name, “no-see-ums.” The females have piercing, sucking mouthparts composed of a short piercing proboscis, legs are short and stout and wings are superimposed over the back, while at rest. Eggs are usually deposited in masses of 25-300 in water. Margins of streams and lakes, mud holes, tree holes, axils of plants, salt marshes, tide pools, swamps, rice fields and runoff from dairy and feedlot pens are all habitats for the Culicoides. Late instar larvae are eel-like in appearance. In temperate regions, most species overwinter as larvae, but a few overwinter in the egg stage.
There is no economic loss data in the literature concerning Culicoides except losses because of blue tongue virus. Cows or heifers not previously exposed to blue tongue may have abortions, but the disease is primarily a problem for sheep.
One cultural approach is to find Culicoides breeding areas and drain them. However, identification of breeding areas is still being researched, and producers aren’t knowledgeable on where they breed.
Some biological agents might control Culicoides, but lack of knowledge on breeding habitats and biology of the insect have prevented the employment of biocontrol agents.
Insecticides are generally not used for control of Culicoides, but the animal sprays listed for other livestock insects would provide at least some degree of control. These insecticides are listed at the end of the chapter.
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Insecticides Suggested for Treatment of Flies on Cattle: |
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Insecticide |
Application Method |
Application Rate |
Restrictions and comments |
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Coumaphos (Co-Ral)
(Co-Ral Fly and Tick Spray)
(Co-Ral) |
Spray or Sponge
Spray
Spray |
11.6 % ELI 1 pt/25 gal water
6.5 % EC 2 qt/50 gal water or 10 oz/4 gal water
25 % WP 4 oz/12.5 gal water |
Restricted-use Pesticide
For horses not intended for slaughter. No more than 6 treatments per year, no less than 10 days apart. |
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Permethrin (Atroban)
(Buss Off)
(Ectiban)
(Gardstar)
(Permectrin II) |
Spray
Wipe-on, Spray or Pour-on
Spray
Spray
Spray |
11 % EC 1 pt/25 gal water or 3 tbsp/2.5 gal water
7.4 % Permethrin + 7.4 % PBO
5.7 % EC 1 qt/25 gal water or 22 tbsp/1 gal water
40 % EC 5-12.5 ml/2 gal water
10 % EC 2 oz/3 gal water |
Spray to thoroughly wet animal. Repeat every 10-14 days.
Repeat application every 14 days.
Apply 30-60 ml per horse.
Spray thoroughly to wet horse. Repeat in 14-21 days. |
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Pyrethrins |
Mist, spray or wipe-on |
0.05-1.0 % Pyrethrins + Piperonyl Butoxide Many formulations of ready to use. |
Follow label instructions. |
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Stirofos (Rabon) |
Spray
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50% WP, 4lb/75 gal of water |
Apply 0.5 to 1 gal of finished product per animal. |
The information herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and that listing of commercial products, necessary to this guide, implies no endorsement by the authors or the Extension Services of Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. Criticism of products or equipment not listed is neither implied nor intended. Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the Extension Services can assume no liability for the suggested use of chemicals contained herein. Pesticides must be applied legally complying with all label directions and precautions on the pesticide container and any supplemental labeling and rules of state and federal pesticide regulatory agencies. State rules and regulations and special pesticide use allowances may vary from state to state: contact your State Department of Agriculture for the rules, regulations and allowances applicable in your state and locality. |
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Categories: Livestock Insects, Cattle, Aquatic Biting Fly Complex, Culicoides, Biting Gnats, Punkies, Ceratopogonids
Date: 12/19/06