Common name: Horsefly
Scientific name: Tabanidae
Order: Diptera
Affects: Rural areas
Main season: All year
Horseflies areflying insects belonging to the tabanidae family, known to be major pests in rural areas, particularly in regions where livestock or domestic animals are kept. Not only do these insect pests cause inconvenience to animals and humans through their painful bites, but they can also transmit diseases, affecting livestock productivity.
They are found almost everywhere in the world, although they prefer humid climates and, once adults, the presence of animals is needed to survive. They are commonly found on farms, cowsheds, meadows, paddocks, riding clubs, cow barns, golf courses, lakeside and riverside parks, etc.
Places where horseflies appear
Horseflies have a similar morphology to large flies, with a length of up to 2.5 cm. Their bodies are sturdy and dark (black, brown or grey) or, in some cases, metallic green or yellow.
They exhibit sexual dimorphism, which influences two aspects of their anatomy. The first is linked to their diet. Females are mainly haematophagous, namely, they have powerful mouthparts that enable them to sting (bite) mammals and birds. Males, on the other hand, feed only on sugary substances such as pollen and flower nectar.
The second difference is in the eyes. In males, they are grouped together at the top of the head, which is not the case in females. They have a single generation per year, generally appearing during the summer months when atmospheric conditions are particularly favourable: hot weather, high relative humidity and low pressure. They need soggy soil to develop their eggs, larvae and pupae.
Morphology details of horseflies. Left: male without separation between the eyes. Right: female with separation between the eyes.
The latters are initially white, then turn brown or black within a few hours; they are generally elongated and cylindrical and measure between 1 and 3 mm in length. They take a week to transform into nymphs, where they hibernate until summer, when they hatch into larvae.
The life cycle of horseflies varies according to environmental conditions, but it generally lasts from a few weeks to over a year. Adult females live for 30 to 60 days, while males have a shorter lifespan, dying after mating.
Life cycle of horseflies
The main damage is caused by female horseflies which, by feeding on the cattle blood , can lead to a reduction in weight and milk production due to the continuous stress they cause the animals. In addition to this, the bites can cause secondary infections.
Meat and milk producers suffer significant economic losses as a result of these factors. As far as humans are concerned, horseflies do not generally transmit serious diseases in these latitudes.
In some countries outside Europe, horseflies transmit diseases to humans, their bites are painful and can in some cases cause allergic reactions and inflammation. The presence of horseflies can make agricultural, tourist or outdoor leisure activities uncomfortable because of the nuisance caused by these insects.
Place 1 to 3 traps per hectare. Traps can be active all year round and should be present two to three weeks before insect flight.
ECONEX HORSEFLY TRAP installed in an equestrian enclosure
Horseflies prefer sunny, humid areas, so they are more likely to appear in summer. Females are diurnal.
Horseflies also tend to appear in flooded or waterlogged areas, as the females need moist soil to lay their eggs.
Horseflies are attracted to dark colours. Animals with darker skin or people wearing dark clothing are more likely to be bitten.
ECONEX HORSEFLY ATTRACTIF 60 DAYS 1 U. is a diffuser of evaporated active substance, cairomonal, to attract males and females of a wide range of horsefly species.
Diffusers last for 60 days and are packaged in an aluminium envelope with a specification label. Once out of the packaging, the dispenser does not need to be activated or opened, simply placed correctly in the trap.
ECONEX HORSEFLY TRAP is an inverted funnel trap made of UV-resistant polymer plastic. It consists of a green inverted funnel and a transparent lid attached to the funnel by means of a bayonet fitting. A flexible plastic structure, similar to a large truncated cone, is placed in the inverted funnel. An inflated ball is suspended from the centre of this flexible structure by means of a metal hook. The trap can be suspended by a steel wire from the top of the inverted green funnel.
ECONEX HORSEFLY TRAP
(Code: UIPFETA353)
ECONEX HORSEFLY ATTRACTIF 60 DAYS 1 U.
(Code: UIPHOVA368)
The kairomonal attractant dispenser should be placed in the inverted green funnel. The black ball warms up in the sun and, as horseflies see these objects as a possible source of food, they land on them. As horseflies can only fly upwards, they pass through the flexible cone in the inverted green funnel and finally land in the collection tray.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Trap assembly instructions ECONEX HORSEFLY TRAP
Trap assembly video
Video of the assembly and activation of theECONEX HORSEFLY TRAP:
ECONEX HORSEFLY ATTRACTIF 60 DAYS 1 U. should be stored in its original packaging and refrigerated at 4ºC or in a freezer at -18ºC, in which case it will remain effective for 2 and 4 years respectively. Keep away from food and drink.
ECONEX HOURSEFLY TRAP should be stored in its original packaging in a dry place away from direct sunlight. In the field, it has an average shelf life of 2 years.
ECONEX HORSEFLY ATTRACTIF 60 DAYS 1 U.
Corrugated cardboard box of 400 units (20 packs of 20 units)
Box size: 0,32 x 0,24 x 0, 22 m (length x width x height).
Box weight: 1,5 kg.
Includes a leaflet about product handling.
Box of 400 units.
(20 packs x 20 units each)
ECONEX HOURSEFLY TRAP
Corrugated cardboard box of 10 units
Box size: 0.80 x 0.60 x 0.48 m (length x width x height)
Box weight: 14 kg.
Number of boxes per pallet: 8
Pallet size: 1.20 x 0.80 x 2.05 m (length x width x height)
Pallet weight: 122 kg
Box with 10 units.
ECONEX HORSEFLY LEAFLET
Leaflet in PDF format that can be downloaded by clicking on the image.
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