Resmethrin and Permethrin Sprays to Reduce Annoyance from a Deer Fly, Chrysops atlanticus12

Abstract

Resmethrin and permethrin were applied to reduce annoyance from Chrysops atlanticus Pechuman in agricultural areas of southern New Jersey. Resmethrin was applied at rates of 0.015 to 0.112 kg/ha by mist blower. Spray was directed from the edge of the fields into the vegetative wooded barrier between cultivated fields and the salt marsh. At the aforementioned rates, deer fly annoyance (except in 1 application) was reduced by more than 95% 1 h posttreatment, by 27–97% after 8 h, and by 0–96.% after 24 h. Resmethrin in 2 applications by ULV and 2 applications with low volume mist blower at 0.0078 and 0.041 kg/ha, respectively, also was effective. Permethrin in limited tests similarly reduced annoyance.