Resmethrin and permethrin spray to reduce annoyance from a deer fly, Chrysops atlanticus

Resmethrin and permethrin were applied to reduce annoyance from Chrysops atlanticus Pechuman in agricultural areas of southern New Jersey. Resmethrin was applied at rates of 0.015 to 0.112 kg/ha by mist blower. Spray was directed from the edge of the fields into the wooded zone between cultivated fields and salt marsh. At these rates, annoyance (except in 1 application) was reduced by more than 95% 1 h after treatment, by 27-97% after 8 h, and by 0-96% after 24 h. Resmethrin in 2 applications by ULV and 2 applications with low-volume mist blower at 0.0078 and 0.041 kg/ha, respectively, was also effective. Permethrin in limited tests similarly reduced annoyance.