Controlling flies around cattle often requires more than a single product or treatment method. Different flies behave differently, livestock operations vary, and a fly-control method that works well in one setting may not be the best choice in another.

Common cattle fly control options include cattle oilers, backrubbers, sprays, pour-ons, dust bags, insecticide ear tags, traps, and management practices that help reduce fly breeding areas. Understanding how these methods differ can help producers develop a practical fly-control program for their cattle and facilities.

Start by Identifying the Fly Problem

Before choosing a fly-control product or piece of equipment, it helps to understand where the flies are spending their time and how they are interacting with the cattle.

Some flies spend much of their time directly on cattle, while others are more closely associated with barns, manure, moisture, feed areas, or other parts of the livestock environment. This is one reason a treatment applied directly to an animal may be useful for one fly problem but insufficient for another.

Observe where flies are concentrated, when the problem is most noticeable, and whether the primary issue appears to be on the animals, around livestock facilities, or both. When identification is uncertain, a veterinarian, livestock specialist, or local extension resource can help determine the appropriate control approach.

Cattle Oilers and Backrubbers

Cattle oilers and backrubbers allow animals to make contact with a livestock pest-control treatment as they rub against or pass beneath the applicator. Depending on the design, treatment may be delivered through brushes, mops, aprons, or other absorbent materials.

One advantage of this approach is that cattle can use the equipment during their normal routine rather than being individually handled for every application. However, the equipment must be placed where cattle will actually use it, maintained properly, and used only with treatments labeled for the intended application.

Our guide to cattle oilers for livestock pest control explains this method in greater detail.

Fly Sprays for Cattle

Livestock fly sprays apply treatment directly to cattle and can be useful when producers need to treat animals for pests covered by the product label. Application methods vary and may include hand sprayers or other livestock spraying equipment.

Sprays can provide direct coverage, but they also require labor and animal access. Depending on the product and pest pressure, applications may need to be repeated according to label directions.

Always follow the product label for approved animals, target pests, application rates, reapplication intervals, precautions, and other requirements.

Pour-On Fly-Control Products

Pour-on products are applied directly to cattle, usually along designated areas of the animal according to the product label. They can be convenient because they do not require permanently installed equipment.

As with sprays, the cattle generally need to be accessible for treatment. Product selection, dosage, timing, and reapplication should follow the manufacturer's label rather than a general schedule.

Insecticide Ear Tags

Insecticide ear tags are another animal-applied option used in some cattle fly-control programs. These tags contain an active ingredient designed for particular pest-control uses and are attached to the animal's ear according to label directions.

Ear tags should not simply be left in place indefinitely. Follow the product's instructions regarding installation, number of tags, timing, removal, and replacement. Product choice may also need to change over time as part of an appropriate pest-management strategy.

Dust Bags and Other Self-Treatment Equipment

Dust bags provide another way for cattle to self-apply pest-control treatment. They are typically positioned where cattle make contact with the bag and transfer an approved livestock insecticide dust onto themselves.

As with cattle oilers, location is important. Equipment that cattle rarely encounter will provide little opportunity for treatment. Dust bags also need routine inspection to make sure they contain the appropriate product and remain in usable condition.

Fly Control in Cattle Barns and Livestock Facilities

Fly control inside and around cattle barns requires attention to the livestock environment as well as the animals. Areas containing manure, spilled feed, organic material, standing water, or persistent moisture can contribute to fly problems depending on the fly species and conditions.

Practical barn and facility management may include:

• Removing accumulated manure and organic material where appropriate
• Cleaning up spilled or spoiled feed
• Correcting unnecessary standing water and drainage problems
• Keeping feeding and livestock areas reasonably clean
• Maintaining ventilation where applicable
• Using appropriate traps or other control methods for the target fly species

Environmental management does not replace every animal-applied treatment, but it can address parts of a fly problem that an oiler, spray, or pour-on cannot.

Fly Traps

Fly traps can be useful around barns and livestock facilities when the trap is appropriate for the type of fly being targeted. Different traps use different attractants and trapping methods, so a product designed for one type of fly may not perform the same way against another.

Placement also matters. Traps should be used according to the manufacturer's directions and positioned with consideration for livestock areas, buildings, feeding locations, and where flies are actually active.

Natural and Reduced-Chemical Fly-Control Approaches

Some livestock owners prefer to reduce their reliance on conventional insecticides or combine animal treatments with management-based approaches. This may involve greater emphasis on sanitation, manure management, moisture control, traps, and other methods appropriate for the operation.

Natural products should still be evaluated carefully. A substance being described as natural does not automatically mean it is safe or appropriate for application to cattle. Products applied to livestock should be used according to applicable directions and labeling.

For a more focused discussion of these approaches, see our guide to natural fly control for cattle.

Choosing the Right Cattle Fly-Control Option

There is no single fly-control method that is appropriate for every cattle operation. The best approach depends on the target pest, number of cattle, facilities, available labor, cattle movement, season, and how frequently a treatment or piece of equipment can be inspected and maintained.

When comparing cattle fly-control options, consider:

• Target pest: Identify the fly or external pest you are trying to control.
• Application method: Determine whether cattle can be individually treated or whether self-treatment equipment is more practical.
• Animal movement: Consider whether cattle routinely pass through an area suitable for an oiler, backrubber, or dust bag.
• Labor: Compare the labor required for direct applications with the inspection and maintenance required for self-treatment equipment.
• Facilities: Evaluate barns, alleys, gates, feeding areas, and other locations that may affect equipment placement or fly activity.
• Product labeling: Use pest-control products only for the animals, pests, and application methods specified by the label.

Combining Fly-Control Methods

In many situations, cattle fly control is better viewed as a management program rather than a single product choice. An animal-applied treatment may address flies on the cattle, while sanitation, moisture management, or traps address conditions around barns and livestock areas.

For example, a cattle oiler may provide animals with regular access to a labeled treatment while routine manure management and facility maintenance address potential fly-development areas. The specific combination should be based on the pests present and the needs of the operation.

 

Where Cattle Oilers Fit Into a Fly-Control Program

Cattle oilers can be especially useful when livestock regularly travel through an area where self-treatment equipment can be installed. Once properly positioned, cattle make contact with the applicator as part of their normal movement or rubbing behavior.

Brush, hanging mop, and apron oilers provide different ways to accomplish this. The appropriate design depends on the available mounting location, animal size, desired contact, and maintenance requirements.

If a cattle oiler is appropriate for your operation, compare Barn World's selection of cattle oilers for brush, hanging mop, and apron-style options.