How to Keep Horseflies Away From Cattle

Horse flies cannot only be a nuisance on a farm, but can significantly reduce the profitability of a farming operation. On a dairy farm, the amount of milk a cow makes is related to her comfort, which can be negatively impacted in the summer months by horse flies. Beef cattle grow slowly when bothered by flies, increasing the time it takes to reach slaughter potential. When trying to keep horse flies away from cattle it is best to use several techniques at once.

Things You'll Need

  • Insecticide ear tags
  • Dust bag
  • Spray applications
  • Barn fans
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Open up all the windows and doors in any barns the cattle are being kept. Only house cattle in areas with good ventilation. Horse flies thrive on hot, musty places and are discouraged by breezes.

    • 2

      Install barn fans every 30 feet in the building to keep fresh air circulating. This will improve the cows' comfort and discourage horse flies.

    • 3

      Insert insecticide ear tags on the cattle at the beginning of June, or whenever the weather begins to get hot. Insecticide ear tags are the best method of keeping horse flies from a cow's face, where it is most vulnerable. Remove the ear tags in the fall to prevent the local fly populations from becoming resistant to it in subsequent years.

    • 4

      Install a dust bag with insecticide over an alleyway that the cattle walk through regularly. This hangs at an appropriate height so that it coats the animals' backs with insecticide when they walk under it. Most dairy farms will hang them over the exit of the milking parlor.

    • 5

      Apply spray applications to individual cattle when it appears they are heavily affected by horse flies. Have a bottle handy in the milking parlor or housing area. Take care not to spray them in the eyes or mouth.