Flies buzzing around in large numbers during summer can be incredibly annoying, but their presence poses more than just an inconvenience, particularly to livestock operations. The Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Community recently addressed this issue in a webinar titled "Vector Control on Livestock Operations," revealing the significant problems flies can cause beyond our annoyance.
Flies are notorious disease carriers, capable of transferring diseases between animals and creating wounds that serve as entry points for other diseases. To tackle this issue effectively, it is crucial to implement fly control measures before they become a major problem. Waiting until flies are already present is often too late, as their populations multiply rapidly.
Prevention is Key
Minimizing fly reproduction revolves around reducing access to food and egg-laying sites. Maintaining cleanliness and proper farm hygiene play a vital role in this regard. Sealing food containers and keeping pens clean and dry are essential steps to discourage fly breeding.
Utilizing Pesticides for Control
Insecticides can be an effective option for fly control. However, it is crucial to identify the specific fly species and their habitat before selecting an appropriate insecticide and method of application. Various control methods, such as area sprays, residual sprays, larvicides, baits, feedthroughs, back rubbers/oilers, dust bags, and pour-on products, are employed based on the fly species and the location (confined or pasture) being targeted. Rotation of products and adherence to best management practices are critical to minimize the development of pesticide resistance among flies.
Emphasizing Effective Management
Understanding the importance of using the correct insecticide for specific fly types is vital to combat resistance. Following label instructions, applying the proper dosage based on animal size, and rotating products annually contribute to effective fly control. For more comprehensive information on fly control in livestock operations, the webinar "Vector Control on Livestock Operations" and related articles on BeefWatch.unl.edu offer valuable insights.
By recognizing the problems associated with flies and implementing appropriate control measures, livestock operations can mitigate the impact of these pests and ensure the well-being and health of their animals.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-prill
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock