SUCCESSFUL FLY CONTROL By Bayer Animal Health
This article originally appeared on beefmagazine.com on March 15, 2017.
PREPARE FOR FLIES, THEN MAINTAIN THE CONTROL MOMENTUM THROUGHOUT THE SEASON. For cattle producers, the change in seasons brings much to anticipate—green grass, healthy calves and flourishing cows. A change in seasons also brings much to anticipate as far as summer pests. While the appearance of flies is challenging and costly, here are some steps you can take throughout the season to help minimize their impact. PRE-SEASON Prior to the start of fly season, it’s time to do a little early “spring cleaning.” This can include: • Eliminating potential breeding areas by removing left-over hay and other spilled feeds from winter feeding; this should include tilling the areas around round bale feeders to help dry these areas out and reduce stable fly breeding • Cleaning facilities, particularly areas with manure, to eliminate potential breeding grounds • Ensuring standing water is limited to what is necessary BEGINNING OF SEASON Once spring has sprung and fly season begins, it’s time for producers to implement their fly control plan. When doing so, it’s important to have a good understanding of the types of flies that pose the biggest threat to an operation. Not all flies are the same, so knowing the type of flies you’re dealing with (and where they breed, rest and
46
APRIL 2021 BWI COMPANIES, INC.
feed) is necessary to help you choose the best strategies and products to control them. Horn Fly • Breed – Fresh, undisturbed manure • Rest – Spends majority of life on cattle • Feed – Takes blood meal from cattle Face Fly • Breed – Fresh, undisturbed manure • Rest – On fence posts, trees, bushes, other objects • Feed – Feeds on saliva, tears, nasal mucus Stable Fly • Breed – Manure, mixed with moist decaying organic matter • Rest – Barns, walls, fences, weeds, other surfaces • Feed – Takes blood meal from cattle (and people) House Fly • Breed – Manure, moist and/or decaying organic matter • Rest – Manure, contaminated soil, fences, buildings, trees
