How to Use a Cow Oiler Wick

There are a number of reasons to aggressively control biting flies in cattle herds. Flies spread disease by biting cows and by crawling around their eyes and then transmitting the disease to the next cow. According to Michigan State University Extension, uncontrolled horn flies can reduce individual animal growth by 10 to 15 pounds a week. Daily fly control can be achieved in herds of cattle by using a cow oiler. The farmer or rancher does not need to be present. Individual cows pass under the oiler wick on their way to the barn, pasture or feeder.

Things You'll Need

Two posts
Cow oiler
Wick
Diesel fuel
Fly repellent

Instructions

- 1
  Locate a narrow area that your cows pass through each day. Some examples are the entrance to their shelter and the approach to their automatic waterer or feeder. This is where you will place or hang your cow oiler wick.
- 2
  Hang your cow oiler wick at a height that allows the wick to rub the backs of most of your cows. The height is adjusted using the posts and chain (unless you purchased a free-standing oiler). It may be too high to rub the calves, but they can rub against adult cows. Some cow oilers are stiff, allowing the cow to scratch itself against the wick. This can be a good option, because cows enjoy scratching and therefore will happily use the oiler.
- 3
  Mix a solution of number two diesel fuel and an approved fly repellent for cattle. Follow the mixing directions on the container of your brand of fly repellent.
- 4
  Pour the mixed solution of fly repellent and diesel fuel onto your cow oiler wick. This will vary depending on the brand of cow oiler you are using. Some wicks contain a reservoir that holds the solution. The reservoir releases additional solution as the cow rubs the wick. Other wicks soak up additional solution from a container as the cow rubs against the wick.
- 5
  Refill the reservoir, wick, or container as needed with the mixed solution.