Parasitic Wasps to Kill Deer Flies
- Parasitic wasps have been used for many years by the agricultural and cattle industries to control horsefly and deer fly populations. The deer fly is closely related to the horsefly and is considered a pest of cattle, humans and horses. The bites from females of this species are quite painful and can trigger allergic skin reactions. Introducing a species of parasitic wasps into an area may halt the reproductive abilities of a deer fly population.
- According to the United States Department of Agriculture, females of this species of parasitic wasp lay eggs inside fly larvae. The eggs then develop and feed on the larvae host, eventually emerging as an adult wasp. The devouring of the host is particularly methodical, with developing wasps saving the eyes and brain for last. Tachinaephagus zealandicus attacks fly larvae much earlier in life than other parasitic wasps, so it is an ideal candidate for deer fly control. This parasitic wasp is native to South America but does not thrive particularly well in tropical climates, preferring temperatures below 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Muscidifurax raptor is a species of parasitic wasp which attacks deer flies and other flies in the pupal stage when the layer of skin protecting the fly is still soft. The females of this species do the reproductive work, attacking fly larvae and inserting a single egg into its developing body. These tiny black wasps also have no stinger and pose no threat to cattle or other animals. These wasps also only attack fly larvae and have no effect on reducing populations of adult flies.
- Spalangia endius is another parasitic wasp used to control deer fly and house fly populations in domestic and agricultural settings. The wasp reproduces in a similar fashion to muscidifurax raptor, with the female of the species attacking fly larvae in the pupal stage and inserting a single wasp egg into it. Wasps in this species have long, segmented black bodies without stingers. Like other parasitic wasps spalangia endius is harmless to humans, other insects and animals.
