Sheep blowfly population control: development of a simulation model and analysis of management strategies.
Abstract
A simulation model of the dynamics of populations of Lucilia sericata was developed, based on a detailed knowledge of the effects of temperature on the rates of development of component stages of the L. sericata life-cycle. The model was used to explore the effects of a range of control strategies on blowfly abundance. The optimum control strategy adopted was shown to depend critically on the timing of treatment, the level of kill achieved and the life-cycle stages targeted. The implications and application of these results for blowfly-strike control are discussed.