Determination of Resistance Levels Against Thiamethoxam in house fly ( L.) Populations in Antalya.

Objective: Many fly species belonging to the genus (Diptera: Muscidae) play a significant role in the transmission of pathogens like bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Among the species of this genus, the house fly L. is well-known. This study aimed to determine the level of insecticide resistance against thiamethoxam in house fly populations collected from the Kemer, Serik, Döşemealtı, Kepez, and Konyaaltı districts of Antalya.

Methods: Adult house flies were collected using sweep nets from livestock farms between June and November 2017. The collected flies were transported in fine muslin cages within 4-6 hours. The F3 generation of the flies was used for determining the resistance levels. In this study, at least four application doses of thiamethoxam were used for determining lethal doses (LD) and knock down times (KT). To determine KT, the flies were examined for 1 h at 5 min intervals and the affected flies were recorded. All toxicity tests were repeated thrice in the flies, including those in the control group. After 24 h, the number of dead flies was recorded and the percentage mortalities and knock down rates were compared and analyzed using the SPSS analysis program. LD and KT values were determined using a probit analysis program. Resistance factor was calculated by dividing the determined LD value by the standard World Health Organization sensitive reference LD value.

Results: In this study, very high resistance levels against thiamethoxam were observed in flies sampled from all locations in Antalya.

Conclusion: To prevent and reduce resistance development in house flies, integrated pest control methods should be applied.