What is the main pest the US Government aims to combat with the breeding of sterile flies?

The primary focus of breeding sterile flies in pest control efforts by the US Government is to manage populations of fruit flies. The sterile insect technique (SIT) involves releasing sterile male flies into the environment; when these flies mate with wild females, no offspring are produced, which helps reduce the overall population of the pest over time. Fruit flies, particularly species like the Mediterranean fruit fly and the olive fruit fly, are significant agricultural pests that can cause major damage to crops, making their control crucial for protecting both food supply and the economy.

While other pests like biting insects or nuisance flies are problematic, fruit flies are specifically targeted because of their impact on agricultural production. Addressing the issue of fruit flies through sterile fly breeding is a critical strategy to maintain the health of crops and support the agricultural sector.