Chaining as a control method for Tabanus abactor in the Texas Rolling Plains.

This study evaluated the effects of 2 chaining treatments, a conventional surface level chaining and chaining with striking height elevated to 0.6 by a roller ball, on the adult T. abactor population. 12 plots on 2 ranches in Foard Co., Texas, USA, were assigned treatments, each treatment being replicated 2 times at each ranch. Treatments were carried out on 4-5 March 1997. Mean numbers of flies caught by traps were lower than the controls for both treatments. Roller-ball chaining felled most of the trees in the treated plot, but did not significantly lower the activity of female flies as did standard chaining. It is concluded that in order to be effective at controlling populations of T. abactor, any brush control measures used must reduce canopy cover below 20%.