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Important Differences (and economic impacts) In order to use the specific control measures best suited for different flies, it is important to know the differences of egg laying patterns, feeding behavior and resting behavior of the different types of flies. For example, the stable fly usually causes a problem only for a short period of time in the late spring and early summer, yet in can have a second occurrence at any time following a rainy period. Hot dry weather will drop the stable fly population to a manageable level. On the other hand, the house fly population builds up as the summer progresses. The horn fly is not a feedlot problem, but does pose a problem for pasture cattle. The stable fly is a serious economic feedlot pest for a short period of time. Cattle become restless. Gain and feed efficiency will suffer if the pest is not controlled. It bothers the cattle by using its 'snout' to scratch a blood and tissue meal from the belly and legs of cattle, horses, dogs, and even people. A small population may not cause an economic problem, but the number may build up very rapidly and cause distress to the livestock. It is now suspected to cause problems for pasture cattle if it migrates to these cattle from feedyards. The pest migrates by the wind from feedyards to pastures and to nearby towns. I have found stable flies on my patio in Garden City, Kansas. The housefly is primarily a pest of people. This pest is a sugar eater and does not bother cattle nearly as much as stable flies. In my opinion, house flies do not give a serious economic distress to livestock. The possible exception is if the population explodes to high levels in the early fall. I have seen in late summer, a ration that contains a large amount of sugar from cane or beet molasses that is dark with houseflies, and yet the cattle would readily eat the feed anyway. But the houseflies are a serious social problem if not controlled. The office personnel in the feedyards and the neighbors must be considered when designing a controlled program. Being a good neighbor is a goal of most feedlot owners. The horn fly is a pest of range and pasture cattle. It is a blood eater. Thousands of horn flies may be on cattle when they arrive at the feedyard. The flies eat blood, but for some reason they do not bother cattle like the stable fly. Horn flies can be controlled by many methods including back rubbers, sprays and ear tags. Differences in Egg Laying Pattern and Fly Resting Areas Leads to Different Control Tactics Since the horn fly lays its eggs only in manure and spends its time on the back of animal, products in the feed or insecticides applied to the back of animals will give control. Insecticides applied from back rubbers and dust bags also work well. Because the animal eats blood, systemic products like the trade names Ivomec, Dectomax, Cydectin, give control for a period of time, but probably not season long control. A combination of tactics may be beneficial, including the use of parasitic wasps. The stable fly lays its eggs in organic material. Manure mixed with feed is an ideal breeding site for stable flies. Control measures must feature removal of the manure; particularly manure mixed with feed. Caution: Sick pens and horse pens where manure is mixed with hay and straw are ideal breeding areas for stable flies. Cleaning these areas is a must. The flies migrate from these areas to cattle nearby. Spraying livestock gives only short time control. Spraying the fly resting areas is a better tactic. The use of a specific type of parasitic wasp will also help control stable flies. The housefly lays its eggs in feedlot manure. Therefore, sanitation and removal of manure from the feedyard are important control measures. Insecticide applications are usually applied to fly resting areas. These include sprays, baits and insecticidal strips. As with stable flies, parasitic wasps may help control houseflies. Designing a Control Program Knowledge of the breeding and feeding patterns of the different types of flies will determine the control measures that will work. Professional assistance from a university or commercial entomologists may be a good investment. Unbiased information is essential to control the costs and get effective control. Any suggestions or comments about this or any other article by Dr. Sprague can be directed to Dr. Jim Sprage, 1910 Harding Ave. #3, Garden City, Kansas, 67846-4742 or call (620) 276-8966. |
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