What’s the Buzz?

Did you know that just a few adult flies can quickly populate to 4,000 or more?

Fly control is critical to cattle and your bottom line.

When stressed by horn flies, cattle spend less time grazing and more time searching for relief from painful bites.

Here are 4 steps to help you beat the horn fly buzz:

1. Consider a feed-through fly control 

Fly control can be found in select cattle minerals. Cattle need both fly control and mineral, so delivering the two in one package is a convenient option. A feed-through form also doesn’t require extra cattle handling like sprays, pour-ons, and ear tags. Once a cow consumes fly control minerals, it functions through the manure. Insect growth regulator (IGR) passes through the cow and into the manure, where the horn flies lay their eggs. IGR breaks the life cycle in the manure by preventing pupae from developing into biting flies.

2. Follow the 30/30 rule

Feed fly control minerals 30 days before the last frost in the spring and 30 days after the first frost in the fall. Following this rule of thumb ensures cows have access to fly control minerals before flies emerge in the spring and provides coverage through the fall. Feeding fly control minerals for 30 days after the first frost is critical to help prevent flies from overwintering.

3. Manage your fly control mineral

Fly control mineral only works if cattle consume it. Make sure to provide a quality mineral that is consumed at target intake levels. Cows should consume 4 ounces of mineral per day to get consistent fly control in manure piles.

4. Plan for the long haul

Look for organophosphates and pyrethroids, which are active ingredients in many fly control products. These ingredients are known to cause resistant flies. A feed-through ingredient, like (s)-methoprene, copies the horn fly’s biochemical properties and has no known resistance issues. You can use fly control minerals as a long-term solution instead of having to switch products every year.

No matter which fly control method you use, you should have a plan in place well before the flies emerge.