Controling Face Flies in Cattle During the late spring and summer months face flies are often a major problem for cattle on pasture. In order to treat the problem most effectively it helps to know a little about their life cycle and how the flies survive from year to year.
Female face flies lay eggs in fresh manure. These eggs will hatch in less than 24 hours under optimum conditions. The maggots that result develop through several stages as they feed on the decomposing manure. They then move to an area of surrounding soil to complete the last stage of their development. An adult fly will finally emerge in 3-26 days depending on the environmental temperature. The total length of time from when the eggs are laid until adult flies are produced can be as little as 8 days. This time frame is extended with cooler outdoor temperatures. The adult face fly is able to survive from year to year by hibernating over winter in protected places such as outdoor buildings. Face flies look similar to the common housefly. They affect primarily cattle but will feed on horses and perhaps sheep and goats. They occur in large numbers and are found around the eyes and the muzzle of cattle. The flies feed on the secretions of the face such as tears, nasal mucus and saliva from the mouth. They will also feed on wounds left from other biting flies. Face flies are the most numerous type of fly affecting cattle. Face flies can be so numerous that they actually interfere with the animal’s ability to graze. This makes them an economic detriment rather than a simple nuisance. A further consequence of the presence of face flies is their ability to transmit disease among animals. This insect is responsible for the transmission of the bacteria which leads to bovine infectious keratoconjunctivitis more commonly known as pink eye in cattle. Fly populations will be cyclic from year to year. There will be years in a geographic area in which the fly numbers will be relatively low because of climatic conditions. Likewise during other spring and summer seasons the face fly populations will be increased. During those years when fly numbers are quite high the implementation of several methods of control may be needed to give animals adequate relief from the pests. Total elimination of face flies is impossible to achieve based on the life cycle of the fly and the shear number of flies present. Producers should work toward the controlling them rather than eliminating them. Controlling face flies focuses on reducing the total number of flies in the environment to a more manageable level for the comfort of the animals. Removing manure from areas where cattle are kept will help reduce the medium needed for fly development. A range of products which will kill adult flies is available to treat building surfaces. Fly baits and attractants may also be used in these areas as well. Sprays, pour-ons, dust bags, back rubbers and insecticide tags all have their place in helping control face flies in pastured cattle. It is important to read the labels carefully and apply them correctly. Repeating treatment as often as is allowable will also aid in achieving optimal results. Rotating products from one year to the next will serve to reduce the likelihood of creating a population of flies resistant to a particular chemical. | 
X-Terminator Insect Tags, 20 pack
Synergized Delice, 1 Gallon