Evaluation of New Technologies for Protection of Military Personnel from Filth and Biting Flies

Abstract

Year 1 Research Accomplishments Year 2 Research Accomplishments Year 3 Research Accomplishments 4. REPORTABLE OUTCOMES 5. CONCLUSIONS 6. REFERENCES 7. APPENDICES LTJG Jeff Hertz (USN), M.S. Jeff evaluated toxicants applied to cords for fly control. He discovered that flies preferred to rest on manila cord; however, best kill with fipronil and indoxacarb was on wool cord. His results were presented at the AFPMB as part of the justification for request of National Stocking Number (NSN) for a new sprayable and paintable fly bait product. The request was approved and the product received NSN 01-555-9369. HM1 Joseph Diclaro (USN), M.S. Candidate. Joe joined the laboratory in April 2007. He is currently working with control of house flies using cord and trap combinations, which are a continuation of the work previously developed by LTJG Hertz. His work involves the development of novel application devises for control of filth flies. Joe represented LTJG Hertz and the Univ. of Florida-Urban Entomology research team at the AFPMB when the NSN request for the new sprayable spot fly bait was presented to the pesticide committee. Lt. Ricky Vazquez (U. S. Army Reserves), Ph.D. candidate, Ricky recently returned from deployment in Iraq. His work was interrupted when he was activated and transferred to Iraq so some of the work planned for him was completed by Jeff Hertz. Currently, Ricky is working with biology and control of invasive ant species. Alexandra Chaskopoulou, M.S. Alex evaluated vapor toxicity of low molecular weight chemicals on flies and mosquitoes. She adapted a bioassay for testing vapor toxicity to flies and mosquitoes and has completed her evaluation of 3 volatile compounds against mosquitoes, including evaluation of a controlled release system for application of volatile compounds. These novel compounds can replace the organophosphate dichlorvos without the harmful effects displayed by dichlorvos. Ryan Welch, M.S. Ryan evaluated of fly attractants in commercially available cone traps and determined optimal configurations of trap design and attractant age. He submitted his thesis and graduated in December 2006. Currently, he is working for McCall's Services in Jacksonville, FL as a manager trainee. Matt Aubuchon, Ph.D. Worked on attraction of flies to light. Light traps are the major technique used in military mess facilities to reduce numbers of flies in food handling, serving, and eating areas. His work developed procedures for using light traps more effectively. Matt submitted his dissertation and graduated in May 2006. He is currently coordinator of the Deployed War-Fighter Protection Project at the Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology (CMAVE) USDA-ARS in Gainesville, FL. Materials and Methods Chemicals Three novel insecticides were tested; one heterobicyclic (menthofuran) and 2 formate esters [heptyl-formate and ethylene glycol diformate (EGDF)]. Dichlorvos (DDVP) was used as a positive control. The insecticide synergists SSS-tributyl-phosphorotrithioate (DEF) and piperonyl butoxide ...