The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), is one of the most serious pests to livestock. It feeds mainly on cattle and causes significant economic losses in the cattle industry. Standard stable fly control involving insecticides and sanitation is usually costly and often has limited effectiveness. As we continue to evaluate and develop safer fly control strategies, the prese...

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is known for its pseudo-narcotic effects on cats. Recently, it has been reported as an effective mosquito repellent against several Aedes and Culex species, both topically and spatially. Our laboratory bioassays showed that catnip essential oil (at a dosage of 20 mg) resulted in average repellency rates of 96% against stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) and 79% agains...

Nepeta nuda L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant with wide distribution in Europa and Asia. In Bulgaria, N. also known as “naked (or hairless) catmint”, which likely refers to the naked or sparse short hairy stem leaves. This study aims generate DNA barcodes for precise genetic discrimination determination of phylogenetic position among other species. To achieve this goal, we applied barcoding t...