Practices to control flies
What are other best practices to control flies?
In addition to fly control methods mentioned above, try not to underestimate the value of regular cleaning around your barn and property. With some quick cleaning every day or so, you can minimize the fly egg production cycle by removing common fly breeding areas (flies are most drawn to moist areas, such as manure and excess plant material, like old, unused silage.) Keep these tips in mind:
Tidy barns and lots, as well as feed bunks.
Clean barns and lots often, weekly if possible, spreading the manure so it dries.
Remove unused or wet spoiled feed.
Spread out or remove uneaten hay to dry quickly.
Use fly predators, which are cocoon-conquering bugs that kill immature flies.
Prohibit the fly population through pasture management.
Help manage moist, wet areas of pastures through drainage where practical.
Keep overburden of plant residue at a minimum by controlling and cutting back excessive weeds and plant growth.
Use larvicide feed-throughs in the mineral, preferably beginning before turn-out.
It is crucial for producers to leverage effective insecticides and fly control methods to help keep cattle healthy. Begin methods of fly control early, and practice insecticide rotation, for the best results against emerging fly populations. Visit ValleyVet.com to learn more.
