Use of sterile insect releases in an IPM program for control of Hypoderma lineatum and H. bovis (Diptera: Oestridae):...

A joint Canadian-U.S. pilot test study was conducted for 4 yr on about 3,800 km2 on the Montana-Alberta border to determine the effect of sterile male releases on Hypoderma lineatum (Villers) and H. bovis (L.) populations remaining after initial chemical treatments. Chemical treatments initially reduced populations, making sterile male releases more efficient. Insect material for release was obtained from yearling animals held in confinement, an expensive, labor-intensive method of production. Sterile males of H. lineatum were released in one-half of the study area and sterile males of H. bovis were released in the other half. The unsterilized species in each half served as a control. Although the number of sterile males released was limited (265-462 yr), each species was eliminated in its respective release area, whereas the control species was not.