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Cattle Fly Control: Controlling Horn Flies
Horn flies remain on the host except when laying eggs or migrating to new hosts. Their close association with cattle makes them susceptible to chemical control measures. Insecticide resistance is present in Florida for various insecticide ear tag formulations. Check with your County Agent to determine which treatments should be adopted for your area.
Ear tags and forced-use dust bags give the best control although sprays or dips may be used successfully. Dust bags may be hung in exit alleyways from barns or placed between pasture and water or feed. Dust bags will provide effective control only if they are hung where cattle are forced to dust. Backrubbers can also give control but are usually less successful on horn flies.
Sprays may also be used for horn fly control. Residual sprays are to be applied at 1-2 qt/animal at 150 to 200 psi to gain complete coverage of animal and penetration to the skin. Treat animals in small groups so that all animals are covered. Feed additives may be used for larval control; however adult populations may not be affected because of fly migration.
Source: P. G. Koehler, J. F. Butler and P. E. Kaufman, University Of Florida, IFAS Extension
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