Biology and Control of the Little House Fly, Fannia canicularis, in Massachusetts1

Abstract

The little house fly ( Fannia canicularis (L.)) has become a serious annoyance problem on many Massaehusetts poultry farms. In the laboratory, the larvae were reared in a modified Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association (C.S.M.A.) medium. At an air temperature of 80°, the approximate developmental periods for the immature stages were as follows: egg 1½ to 2 days, larva 8 to 10 days and pupa 9 to 10 days. The total developmental period from egg to adult was 18½ to 22 days and from egg to egg, 22 to 27 days. The sex ratio of emerging adults was approximately 0.5. At 80°. and 65% relative humidity, 50% of the male population died within 14 days after emergence, with some living up to 28days, while 50% of the female population died within 24 days with a few living for 54 days. Chicken manure was a preferred oviposition medium. Adults were unable to fly against winds that exceeded 16 m.p.h In the field, more than one-half of the poultry farms inspected employed the pit system of droppings management and these farms had heavier fly populations than farms which effectively employed the open floor system. Observations on the distribution of overwintering larvae in the dropping pits are presented. All stages except the egg were found during the winter months. Adults became active in early March and were Present in large numbers throughout the summer until mid-October. Adults were also present in homes near poultry farms except during the month of February. A preference of adults for cooler areas under 84. was apparent. Field recognition characters of the adult and larvae are discussed. The use of parathion-Diazinon® ( O,O-diethyl O- (2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate) treated cords gave excellent seasonal control of the little house fly but supplemental treatments with baits were necessary against Musca domestica L.