Farms.com Home   News

Small Horn Flies can be Big Problem for Livestock

Horn flies cause billions of dollars of damage and economic loss to the cattle industry each year, but for producers, managing these pests is a personal drain on the wallet.

Like a horde of fearsome movie vampires, horn flies are voracious bloodsuckers often found in association with grazing cattle, said Justin Talley, Oklahoma State University Extension entomologist.

“Horn flies are at their highest populations from April through October in Oklahoma,” he said. “In hot weather, horn flies can complete their life cycle from egg to adult in 10 days, resulting in explosive population growth. Emerging horn flies may travel 10 miles searching for cattle but will most likely stay within a couple miles if cattle are around.”

Infested cattle often signal the problem by licking their backs, twitching their skin, switching their tails and tossing their heads.

Studies across the United States have indicated the most effective way to control horn fly populations is to take an integrated pest management approach to both the adults and larvae. Just treating for adult horn flies will not be sufficient, Talley said.

Control of horn flies should begin when 200-300 flies per animal are observed. Researchers have shown that 15-30 pounds of extra gain in calves is achieved over the summer when horn flies are controlled. Ear tags continue to provide a convenient method of horn fly control.

“It’s important to note resistance across the state varies with past usage of ear tags containing pyrethroids,” Talley said. “Producers should rotate their ear tags every year. If additional treatment is needed, then use a program that utilizes sprays, pour-ons, back-rubbers or dust bags.”

OSU Extension recommendations are to not use ear tags containing pyrethroids for more than one year. Various studies have shown alternating control procedures will provide the best long-term horn fly control. Additional key elements include:

  • Horn flies lay their eggs in fresh manure, so use a commercial Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) to help prevent large populations by killing the larvae.
  • Use a feed-through IGR in a mineral supplement and combine this with an insecticidal ear tag.
  • Rotate grazing of cattle between pastures to minimize manure accumulation in one area.
  • Treat bulls with a spray or pour-on application, as this will disseminate product more evenly than an ear tag in the case of bulls.
  • Consider pyrethroid products that are synergized because the agent known as piperonyl butoxide (PBO) will bypass some of the insecticide resistance mechanisms in horn fly There are more than 2,500 pesticide products that contain the active ingredient PBO.

In addition to the hundreds of painful bites that agitate cattle daily, lesions can lead to secondary infections — and even cosmetic defects in tanned or dyed leather. Horn flies have been found to be a carrier of Stephanofilaria stilesi, a nematode that causes a granular dermatitis that occurs mainly on the belly, scrotum, prepuce and udder of cattle in the western United States.

Horn flies also attack bison, buffalo, horses and other large mammals. Beneficial predators, parasites and natural competitors occur naturally in horn fly breeding locations, Talley said. Predatory mites, beetles, and other fly larvae feast on the developing horn fly larvae.

Source : okstate.edu

Trending Video

Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

Video: Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

Drone Flight & Baling Success at Last!

After weeks of rain delays and frustration, we finally have a reason to smile — it’s hay time again at Ewetopia Farms! In today’s episode, we head out to the fields where Arnie is baling hay, and I attempt my second drone flight to capture it all from the air. The drone still had some hiccups, but I managed to get some aerial footage of the baling process.

Back at the farm, the work doesn’t stop. Arnie brings the bales home, and the next critical step begins — wrapping and stacking the bales to make haylage. This process is essential for preserving feed for our sheep and ensures they have nutritious forage in the months ahead.

It’s a good day on the farm — the sun is out, the drone is flying (sort of!), and we’re making progress. Join us for a satisfying and productive day that brings a long-awaited sigh of relief to this year’s challenging hay season.

?? Let us know in the comments: Have you had to deal with weather delays this season?

?? Thanks for watching and supporting Ewetopia Farms — where every day is an adventure in sheep farming. Please like, comment, and subscribe to follow our daily journey with the flock!