Determination of resistance levels of house fly (Musca domestica L.) populations to thiamethoxam in Antalya

Many fly species in the genus of Musca play a significant role in the transmission of pathogens like bacteria, fungi and also parasites. The house fly, Musca domestica L. is a well-known species among this genus species. The aim of this research is to determine the level of insecticide resistance against thiamethoxam in house fly populations collected from Kemer, Serik, Döeşemealtı, Kepez and Konyaaltı districts of Antalya. Adults of house flies were collected by using sweep nets from livestock farms from Kemer, Kepez, Konyaaltı, Döşemealtı and Serik locations between June and November 2017. The collected flies were transported in fine muslin cages (22×22×22 cm) within four to six hours. The populations were reared at 24±2° C and 40±10% relative humidity with a 12:12 photoperiod in the laboratory. F3 strain was used for determination of resistance levels. In this research at least four application doses of thiamethoxam were used for the determination of lethal doses (LD) and knock down times (KT). In order to determine KT, the flies were examined at for 1 hour at 5 minute intervals and affected flies recorded. All toxicity tests were repeated three times, including the control group. After 24 h, the number of dead flies was recorded and the percent mortalities and percent knock down rates were compared using the SPSS analysis program. LD50 and KT50 values were determined using a probit analysis program. Resistance factor, RF, was calculated by division of the determined LD50 by the standard WHO sensitive reference LD50. According to the results of this thesis, very high resistance levels to thiamethoxam were found in all sampled locations in Antalya. In order to prevent and reduce resistance development in house flies, integrated pest control methods should be applied.