Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Farm & Home News with Rex Dollar

With summer here it is imperative to find an effective solution to horn fly treatment now, according to Dr. Stan McPeake, livestock specialist with the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas.

Adult horn flies gather by the thousands around the horns, backs, shoulders and bellies of cattle, causing irritation and annoyance to the cattle. The flies cause loss of blood and reduced weight gains in beef cattle. Reduced weight gains due to horn flies may be attributed to energy used combating flies, reduced food intake while combating flies and to altered grazing behavior due to fly irritation.

Since the flies remain on the animal for long periods of time control of the adult is simplified. The application of suitable insecticide throughout the horn fly season provides effective control. When economical, the spreading of fresh droppings to hasten drying also aids in disrupting the life cycle of the horn fly.

A number of self-treatment methods are available to control horn flies. Self-treatment methods commonly used include back-rubbers, oilers, dust bags and insecticide impregnated ear tags. Loafing areas around water sources or shade areas are often choice locations for positioning back-rubbers and oilers.

Fly control with dust bags can be greatly enhanced by forcing animals to pass through dusting stations. A gate between a pasture and water source is a good example.

Resistance of flies to ear tags can become a problem if they are overused or not used properly. It is suggested by the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, that pyrethroid ear tags be alternated with organophosphate ear tags or other methods of control on a year-to-year schedule to be determined by the producer.

Other treatment methods include oral larvicides and livestock sprays.

For more information concerning horn fly control methods and how to use them, contact the Nevada County Cooperative Extension Service office.