Efficiency of traps for Stomoxys calcitrans and Stomoxys niger niger on Reunion Island.

The main objective of this study was to compare the trapping efficiency of two Alsynite sticky traps (modified Williams and modified Broce) and two phtalogen blue cloth traps (Vavoua and Nzi) to be used in an integrated control programme of Stomoxys spp. (Diptera: Muscidae) on Reunion Island. Mean daily catches of these flies on two dairy farms differed significantly between the four types of trap. The Broce trap was the least efficient and had the lowest specificity for Stomoxys spp. The Vavoua, Nzi and Williams traps performed significantly better but could not be ranked on the basis of the numbers of Stomoxys caught because their respective performances differed between farms. Given the various practical criteria, it is concluded that, as control tools, blue cloth traps (Vavoua and Nzi) have practical advantages over the Williams trap. The Vavoua trap, which is less expensive and easier to use for farmers, seems adequate to complement other methods of fly control on Reunion Island.