Controlling tsetse with insecticide-treated cattle

How long will the insecticide last?

The insecticides applied to cattle will be effective for between 5 and 50 days. The period varies according to the time of year and the formulation used. The various formulations sold by manufacturers will give an indication of the effective life of the insecticide. In general however, you should not expect the formulation to be effective for more than a month.

References
Bauer, B., Kabore, I. & Petrich-Bauer, J. (1992). The residual effect of deltamethrin
Spot On when tested against Glossina palpalis gambiensis under fly chamber conditions. Tropical Medicine & Parasitology 43, 38-40.

Thomson, M. (1987). The effect on tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) of deltamethrin applied to cattle either as a spray or incorporated into ear-tags. Tropical Pest Management 33, 329-335.

Thomson, J.W., Mitchel, M., Rees R.B., Shereni, W., Schoenfeld, A.H. & Wilson,
A. (1991). Studies on the efficacy of deltamethrin applied to cattle for the
control of tsetse flies (Glossina spp) in southern Africa. Tropical Animal Health & Production 23, 221-226.

Vale, G.A., Mutika, G. & Lovemore, D.F. (1999). Insecticide-treated cattle for controlling tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae): some questions answered, many posed. Bulletin of Entomological Research 89, 569-578.