Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Department of Entomology
Publication E-12 March 1974
FLY CONTROL ON BEEF FARMS
Darryl Sanders, Extension Entomologist
For efficient, profitable beef cattle production, you must be concerned with controlling flies around the farm and on the cattle. Whether feeding upon the animals or just annoying them, flies significantly hamper beef cattle performance.
Blood-sucking flies prevent normal feeding as well as remove energy in the form of blood and thus reduce rate of gain. Several species are important in Indiana including: the horn fly, which breeds in fresh cattle droppings in the pasture; the stable fly, which breeds in wet straw, straw-manure mixtures and other wet plant materials around buildings; horse flies and deer flies, which breed in marshes, swamps and other standing water; and mosquitoes, which breed in standing water.
The face fly, although not a blood sucker, does feed on secretions around the animal's eyes, nostrils and wounds, including those made by blood-sucking flies. These feeding habits result in much annoyance to the animal and the possible mechanical transmission of "pink eye" disease. The face fly breeds in fresh cattle droppings in the pasture and is a pest to the cattle only when in the pasture. The house fly and the little house fly do not specifically feed on cattle but annoy them in and around farm buildings. These two species breed in manure and wet, decaying plant materials of all kinds.
CONTROL MEASURES IN AND AROUND BARNS AND LOTS
Flies around barns can be controlled with certain insecticides. However, no
chemical can be effective as long as breeding sites exist. This is especially true in the case of the house fly and the stable fly.
All manure, wet straw and decaying plant material should be removed twice a week to break the breeding cycle of the house fly which can be as few as 10 days from egg to adult fly. This can be done by spreading manure to dry or by placing it in pits or lagoons to become liquefied. If a liquid manure pit is used, do not allow accumulations of solid materials above the water line, either floating or sticking to the sides, since this is conducive to fly production. Table 1 lists the insecticides recommended for fly control around barns. All except the last two listed are considered residual materials which should kill flies up to 6 weeks. The last two are for quick "knockdown" only. Residual spray should be applied when the first flies appear in the spring.
INSECTICIDES FOR BEEF ANIMALS
Flies on cattle in pastures can be controlled by a program of regular spraying of animals with a power sprayer. Table 2 lists the insecticides recommended for this purpose. Sprays should be applied when needed. In Indiana, typically, 3 or 4 sprays per season are needed.
Self-application devices can also be used to control flies on cattle in pastures. The key to their success is having them serviced and in place when the first flies appear and keeping them serviced during the season. Table 3 lists the insecticides recommended for back rubbing devices and Table 4 lists insecticides for dust bag applicators.
The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Indiana Cooperative Extension Service is implied.
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Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, State of Indiana, Purdue University and U. S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. H. G. Diesslin, Director, West Lafayette, Ind. Issued in furtherance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. It is the policy of the Cooperative Extension Service of Purdue University that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to its programs and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex or national origin.