TRAPPING THE SCREW-WORM FLY. [5]

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[5] Chrysomyia macellaria Fab.

Recent efforts to reduce the loss to the live-stock industry of the Southwest resulting from the ravages of the screw-worm have directed attention to the employment of flytraps in this work.

Mention has been made of the importance of preventing the breeding of flies as a prerequisite to effective control. This is equally true of the screw-worm and other blowflies, which attack animals, and of the house fly. In the case of these blowflies main dependence must be placed on the complete and prompt burning of all carcasses and animal refuse.

Experiments conducted in the range sections of Texas indicate that traps properly baited and set are of material aid in preventing screw-worm injury to live stock. It is advised that at least one trap be maintained on each section of land. These should be located preferably near watering places and where cattle congregate, especially in the so-called "hospital traps," where the screw-worm-infested animals are kept for treatment.

The conical-type traps as described are advised. The traps should be set on a board platform about 2 feet square, securely fastened to a tree or on a post where the trap and bait will be the least disturbed by stock or wild animals.

During the latter half of one season over 100 gallons of flies, the vast majority of which were screw-worm flies, were captured in about 25 traps operated on a ranch in west Texas.

The question of the baits best adapted for this species and other points in regard to the operation of the traps are briefly discussed under subsequent headings.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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